Chemical agent monitor for immunoassay detection

Abstract

A method and device for detecting bacteria by forming an immunoassay laddersing a biological substance (Ag) adsorbed onto a surface, to which has been added an immunological biochemical ladder (Ab) and beta-galactosidase enzyme (gal) to form a Ag-Ab-gal system. The system is added to an aqueous solution of an enzyme selected from ortho-nitrophenylgalactopyranoside and ortho-nitrophenylgalactosidase enzyme. The enzyme reacts with the gal to produce ortho-nitrophenol (ONP) such that the amount of ortho-nitrophenol (ONP) produced may be detected by measuring the vapor pressure generated by the ONP using an ion mobility spectrometer monitor. The pressure of the ONP is in proportion to the amount of biological substance present in the system. In a preferred embodiment, the ion mobility spectrometer monitor includes display means for indicating the quantity of bacteria measured. The surface on which the system is formed is preferably a plastic surface positioned in a cylindrical container sized to engage either an Airborne Vapor Monitor or a Chemical Agent Monitor, either of which may be hand held.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of detecting bacteria, comprising the steps of: forming an immunoassay ladder including a biological substance (Ag) adsorbed onto a surface, adding an immunological biochemical ladder (Ab) and beta-galactosidase enzyme (gal) to form a Ag-Ab-gal system;   adding said system to an aqueous solution of an enzyme selected from ortho-nitrophenylgalactopyranoside and ortho-nitrophenylgalactosidase enzyme; and   detecting the amount of ortho-nitrophenol (ONP) produced by measuring the vapor pressure generated by said ONP using an ion mobility spectrometer monitor, said pressure being in proportion to the amount of biological substance present in said system.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein said ion mobility spectrometer monitor includes display means for indicating the quantity of bacteria measured. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2, wherein said surface is a plastic surface positioned in a cylindrical container sized to engage an Airborne Vapor Monitor. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 3, wherein said Airborne Vapor Monitor is hand held. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 2, wherein said surface is a plastic surface positioned in a cylindrical container sized to engage a Chemical Agent Monitor. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 5, wherein said Chemical Agent monitor is hand held. 
     
     
       7. A device for detecting bacteria, comprising: a container attached to an ion mobility spectrometer monitor, said container having a surface therein having been contacted with an immunoassay ladder of a biological substance (Ag) adsorbed onto said surface, with an immunological biochemical ladder (Ab) and beta-galactosidase enzyme (gal), to form a Ag-Ab-gal system;   an aqueous solution added to said system comprising a solution of at least one enzyme selected from ortho-nitrophenylgalactopyranoside and ortho-nitrophenylgalactosidase; and   indicator means on said monitor for displaying the amount of ortho-nitrophenol (ONP) produced in said solution by measuring the vapor pressure generated by said ONP, said pressure being in proportion to the amount of biological substance present in said system.   
     
     
       8. The device of claim 7, wherein said surface is a plastic surface positioned in a cylindrical container sized to engage an Airborne Vapor Monitor. 
     
     
       9. The device of claim 8, wherein said Airborne Vapor Monitor is hand held. 
     
     
       10. The device of claim 7, wherein said surface is a plastic surface positioned in a cylindrical container sized to engage a Chemical Agent Monitor. 
     
     
       11. The device of claim 10, wherein said Chemical Agent monitor is hand held.