U-M, Russian scientists developing system to detect chemical warfare

A U-M researcher is helping lead a joint U.S.-Russian team to develop a system that would rapidly detect human exposure to chemical warfare agents.

The scientists are working to refine a device that currently is the size of a microwave oven. They hope to make it even smaller and have it field-capable in nine months. The device measures the presence of neurotoxic agents in the blood and allows for rapid assessment of levels of exposure.

“We expect to develop an effective, highly sensitive, automatic, field-capable chemical agent biosensor device.” —Professor Rudy Richardson

Rudy Richardson, associate professor of neurotoxicology and neurology and Dow Professor of Toxicology, is the U.S. leader of the team, which has received a $90,000 anti-terrorism grant from the U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF). The U.S. scientists are working with Russian scientists led by Vladimir Malygin of the Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds in Chernogolovka, Russia.

"Building on our and our Russian colleagues' expertise in biosensors, biochemistry, toxicology and risk assessment, we expect to develop an effective, highly sensitive, automatic, field-capable chemical agent biosensor device," Richardson says.

Richardson, who has been with the University since 1975, has spent his career developing protections against chemical warfare.

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced the grant and said in a statement, "Universities and small businesses are the engines of innovation that drive our economy and support our national security. We must draw upon our nation's technical expertise to ensure that we will be able to meet the emerging threats and challenges of the 21st century. I am pleased that the U.S. CRDF has selected the University of Michigan to lead this important research effort."

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