Chemical and biological safety: Biosensors and nanotechnological methods for the detection and monitoring of chemical and biological agents

The elaboration of highly sensitive and express methods for quantitative and qualitative detection and monitoring of chemical warfare agents (CWA), organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, compounds with delayed neurotoxicity, and pathogenic microorganisms and viruses is discussed. The application of potentiometric and amperometric biosensors, automatic biosensors discriminating the neurotoxins of different classes, is performed. The information about biosensors detecting the compounds with delayed neurotoxicity through the evaluation of “neurotoxic esterase”activity in the blood is presented. The use of immunochip technology for the detection of pathogenic microorganisms and viruses is demonstrated. The enzymatic methods of destruction of organophosphorus neurotoxins are considered as the base of new defense technology.

Subchronic Neurotoxicity of Oil Formulations Containing Either Tricresyl Phosphate or Tri-Orthocresyl Phosphate

This study was conducted to determine the threshold concentration of tricresyl phosphate (TCP) in aviation engine oil able to cause delayed peripheral neuropathy in adult hens after repeated exposure. The study also evaluated the predictive value of endpoints usually used to measure acute peripheral neurotoxicity (neurotoxic esterase [NTE] inhibition, ataxia, and histopathologic changes), as measures of neurotoxicity in a subchronic study. Animals that received oil containing 3% TCP showed significant neurotoxicity that could not be accounted for by the small amount of TOCP present. Oil containing 1% TCP was without neurotoxic activity. There was an excellent correlation between percentage inhibition of NTE and development of neuropathy. An association was also seen for ataxia and neuropathology. Further study is needed to determine the phosphate ester isomers responsible for the significant neurotoxic potency demonstrated by the aviation engine oil containing 3% TCP.