The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop electrochemical detection methodologies for aerosolized chemical and biological threats. The objective is to create portable, reusable devices capable of rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of such threats, addressing current limitations in existing detection methods that are often slow, costly, and prone to false readings. This initiative is critical for enhancing force protection and operational awareness, with potential applications in law enforcement, homeland security, and public health sectors. Interested parties should note that the solicitation will open on April 23, 2025, and close on May 21, 2025, with further details available at the DoD SBIR/STTR website.

## Description

Solid or liquid aerosols containing virus particles, anthrax, fentanyl, or other biothreats may be weaponized (e.g., Moscow Dubrovka Hostage Situation[1]) and pose significant risk to the DoD mission domestically and abroad, threatening Force readiness, installation security, and border security where Soldiers may be deployed. Current detection methods are often limited by size, cost complexity, and slow response times. For example, laboratory-based analyses are highly accurate but impractical for immediate field use. Existing portable devices (colorimetric strips, ELISA, light scattering) may suffer from interference, leading to false positives or negatives. These portable methods also generally require 3-10 minutes to make a positive detection. Most notably, the analytical sensitivity must be extremely high to detect the presence of aerosols before the threat level exceeds survivability metrics. Thus, there is a critical need for innovative technologies that offer selective (analyte/interferant differentiation), rapid (&lt;30 s), sensitive (&lt;1 &micro;g/m3), and affordable (&lt;$1/sample) detection with a portable formfactor for ease of use for Soldiers. [2]Electrochemical methods can achieve high sensitivity and selectivity, rapid response times, and are amenable to miniaturization; however, despite significant academic research, a viable platform has yet to be commercialized for these applications. Recently, exciting developments have been reported for single-entity virus and bacterial measurements [3], nanomaterial sorbents [4], electrochemical AI development [5], and instrumental miniaturization [6]. Thus, by researching microenvironment manipulation techniques, incorporating advanced transducer materials, leveraging AI/ML-driven signal analyses, and/or integrating miniaturized electronic platforms, in-field detection of aerosolized biothreats may be possible to enhance Force protection and tactical awareness. This STTR Open Topic seeks to (1) uncover innovative electrochemical sensing methodologies to overcome the limitations described above, and (2) pair those methodologies with emerging portable electronic platforms and/or AI/ML data analysis algorithms. The focus is on creating portable, reusable devices that provide real-time results with minimal false readings, driven by innovative chemistry or algorithms to quickly provide Soldiers tactical information. This technology would enhance the DoD capabilities for counter-terrorism operations, security screening, and operational awareness. The development also holds significant potential for dual-use applications in law enforcement, homeland security, and public health sectors, representing an important enabler to combat the future pandemics, the opioid crisis, and to protect Soldiers from chem/bioweapons leveraging these compounds. 

## Objective

This STTR Open Topic seeks to develop and integrate innovative electrochemical detection methodologies, AI/ML-driven signal analysis algorithms, and portable electronic platforms capable of rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of aerosolized chem/biothreat species.

## Phase I

Demonstrate the feasibility of innovative electrochemical detection methods for relevant chem/biothreat (or analog) aerosols. Conduct laboratory experiments and/or modeling analysis to develop and validate the proposed sensing techniques in solid and/or liquid aerosol media while assessing:<ul><li> Sensitivity using limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) in &micro;g/m3</li><li> Selectivity for a target analyte against common interferants or blank aerosols using signal ratio approaches and false positive/negative analyses</li><li> Reproducibility using coefficient of variation (CV) analyses</li></ul>Also of interest is leveraging empirical or synthetic data to train AI/ML algorithms capable of deconvoluting complex signals related to these metrics. The desired outcome is a proof-of-concept demonstration showing reliable electrochemical detection of aerosol contents in controlled settings, establishing a foundation for component integration and development in Phase II.

## Phase II

Develop and refine a minimally viable integrated component system of the electrochemical detection methodology, the miniaturized electronic platform, and/or the AI/ML-driven signal analysis based on successful Phase I results. The minimally viable system should:<ul><li> Achieve high sensitivity (&lt;1 &micro;g/m3) for solid or liquid aerosolized biothreats </li><li> Demonstrate selectivity for target analytes where interferants or blanks represent &lt;10% of the analytical signal and result in &gt;95% accuracy for positive/negative readings at environmentally relevant aerosol concentrations </li><li> Achieve coefficients of variation (CV) &lt;10% for equivalent trials</li><li> Provide rapid detection results in &lt;30 seconds</li><li> Directly integrate sensing methods, electronics, and algorithms with mobile platforms (phone, pad, etc.) with minimal size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C)</li></ul>The component system should undergo extensive testing in simulated field conditions to validate performance. User testing should also be performed with relevant DoD research Centers or partners to generate a feedback cycle for device improvement. The outcome is a minimally viable component system (TRL 5) with directives for prototype assembly and evaluation in Phase III. 

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

PHASE III: Transition the technology for Department of Defense applications, focusing on full-scale production, certification, and integration into military analysis toolkits. Specific tasks include refining the prototype based on field testing feedback, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, developing scalable manufacturing processes, and establishing training programs/GUIs for DoD end-users.Commercialization opportunities in civilian markets should also be pursued by adapting the technology for law enforcement, border protection, and public health sectors.PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Beyond DoD applications, the device could be utilized by the medical professionals for pandemic response, law enforcement for roadside testing and investigations, or customs agencies for border security, enhancing public safety and health responses.

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