Biological Identification

Biological identification systems are a vital component in countering the threats to life and health posed by natural pathogens, toxins, and bioterrorism agents. It is essential that such systems are fast, accurate, reliable and easy to use. It is also important to employ the most suitable technology in dealing with any particular threat. This book provides a detailed review of the technologies available and the potential for future developments.

Part one covers the essentials of DNA and RNA sequencing for the identification of pathogens, including next generation sequencing (NGS), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods, isothermal amplification and bead array technologies. Part two addresses a variety of approaches to making identification systems portable, tackling the special requirements of smaller, mobile systems in fluid movement, power usage, and sample preparation. Part three focuses in on a range of optical methods and their advantages. Finally, part four describes a unique approach to sample preparation and a promising approach to identification using mass spectroscopy.

Biological Identification will be a useful resource for academics and engineers involved in the microelectronics and sensors industry, and for companies, medical organisations and military bodies looking for biodetection solutions.

Covers DNA sequencing of pathogens, lab-on-chip and portable systems for biodetection and analysisProvides an in-depth description of optical systems and explores sample preparation and mass spectrometry-based biological analysis