SBIR-STTR Award

The proposed research incorporates several inventions to produce structural components that can be assembled into a highly enhanced chemical-biological (CB) forensic evidence container for transport and storage of contaminated articles. Bio-hazardous materials are frequently encountered in standard investigations, and currently used evidence bags are designed to handle the containment and preservation issues associated with those materials. However, when the incident scene is related to military actions or terrorist activity, the challenges for collection, transport, and storage of forensic evidence multiply. New forensic evidence bag systems provided with unique tamper and agent resistant features will be produced through a collaborative effort by NanoScale Corporation and Clemson University. The key feature of the proposed system is integration of NanoScale’s reactive nano materials and/or derived composites with down selected fabrics for enhanced CB protection. In Phase I, we will identify the most promising formulations for CB containment, define and design the optimum system configuration, and test the baseline system. Results will be leveraged into Phase II, where a detailed development and demonstration using actual CB agents will occur. The proposed work through Phase II and beyond will develop a novel product that will be used both in DoD and commercial applications.

Keywords:
Forensic, Contaminated, Decontmination, Nano Materials, Cyclodextrin, Permeation, Evidence

The proposed research incorporates several inventions to produce structural components that are assembled into a highly enhanced Toxic Material Forensic Container (TMFC) for transport and storage of contaminated articles. Bio-hazardous materials are frequently encountered in investigations, and the current evidence containers are designed to handle the issues associated with those materials. However, incident scenes resulting from military or terrorist activity increase the challenges for forensic evidence handling. New TMFC provided with unique features will be produced via a collaboration between NanoScale Corporation and Clemson University. The key feature of the produced system is integration of NanoScale’s reactive nano materials with Clemson's selected fabrics for enhanced CB-protection. In Phase I, we identified two promising formulations for CB-containment, designed the optimum system configuration, and are testing the baseline system. Key areas that will be refined during the Phase II project are: Sorbent composition and capacity, decontamination kinetics, final down selection of external fabric and internal fabric lining, and particle loading optimization. The project will conclude with actual CWA and BWA testing, using GB and HD chemical agents and Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores. The proposed work through Phase II will help develop a product that will be useful in DoD and commercial applications.

Keywords:
Nano, Cyclodextrin, Chemical, Biological, Decontamination, Toxic , Forensic, Contaminated