A prototype portable instrument employing micro-preconcentrator and FBAR sensor for the detection of chemical warfare agents

The presence of chemical warfare agents(CWAs)in the environment is a serious threat to human safety,but there are many problems with the currently available detection methods for CWAs.For example,gas chromatography–mass spectrometry cannot be used for in-field detection owing to the rather large size of the equipment required,while commercial sensors have the disadvantages of low sensitivity and poor selectivity.Here,we develop a portable gas sensing instrument for CWA detection that consists of a MEMSfabricated micro-preconcentrator(μPC)and a film bulk acoustic resonator(FBAR)gas sensor.The μPC is coated with a nanoporous metal–organic framework material to enrich the target,while the FBAR provides rapid detection without the need for extra carrier gas.Dimethyl methylphosphonate(DMMP),a simulant of the chemical warfare agent sarin,is used to test the performance of the instrument.Experimental results show that the μPC provides effective sample pretreatment,while the FBAR gas sensor has good sensitivity to DMMP vapor.The combination of μPC and FBAR in one instrument gives full play to their respective advantages,reducing the limit of detection of the analyte.Moreover,both the μPC and the FBAR are fabricated using a CMOS-compatible approach,and the prototype instrument is compact in size with high portability and thus has potential for application to in-field detection of CWAs.

Geographies of Chemical Warfare in Vietnam: The Merry Band of Retirees

This review explores the recent development of research on rainbow herbicides as chemical weapons and the geographies of chemical warfare in what is now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. While the use and impacts of Agent Orange have previously been well documented, the production and extensive application of five other rainbow agents by the United States military has only recently been investigated in detail. What is exceptional about this research of chemical warfare landscapes is that the 23 refereed journal publications in this review were designed, implemented, and published in a unique collective research project by Ken Olson and a Merry Band of Military Retirees. Their groundbreaking research portfolio includes many geographical dimensions and the political ecology of chemical warfare. This includes the extensive exposure of civilians in Vietnam to these chemical agents, exposure of US military personnel in Southeast Asia and Panama, exposure of civilians near the private industrial sites that produced these rainbow agents in North America and the hazardous soil contamination that perseveres at these sites in Vietnam and the US. Given this impressive research depth and global scope, this review explores the unique way this research portfolio was developed by a Merry Band of Retirees through an interview with its leader, Ken Olson. It examines the goals and ethical orientation of these military veterans, the political ecology involved, the creative strategies they utilized to produce this innovative research, and how they changed the way Veterans exposed to chemical warfare agents are treated by the US government.

Multiple chemical warfare agent simulant decontamination by self-driven microplasma

Low-temperature plasma is a green and high-efficiency technology for chemical warfare agent(CWA)decontamination.However,traditional plasma devices suffer from the problems of highpower composition and large power-supply size,which limit their practical applications.In this paper,a self-driven microplasma decontamination system,induced by a dielectric-dielectric rotary triboelectric nanogenerator(dd-r TENG),was innovatively proposed for the decontamination of CWA simulants.The microplasma was characterized via electrical measurements,optical emission spectra and ozone concentration detection.With an output voltage of-3460 V,the dd-r TENG can successfully excite microplasma in air.Reactive species,such as OH,O(1D),Hαand O3were detected.With input average power of 0.116 W,the decontamination rate of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide reached 100%within 3 min of plasma treatment,while the decontamination rates of malathion and dimethyl methylphosphonate reached(65.92±1.65)%and(60.88±1.92)%after 7 min of plasma treatment,respectively.In addition,the decontamination rates gradually decreased with the increase in the simulant concentrations.Typical products were identified and analyzed.This study demonstrates the broad spectrum and feasibility of the dd-r TENG-microplasma for CWA elimination,which provides significant guidance for their practical applications in the future.

Role of flexible sensors for the electrochemical detection of organophosphate-based chemical warfare agents

This review article comprehensively explores the electrochemi-cal detection of organophosphate-based agents,including war-fare agents,pesticides,and simulants.It provides an in-depth analysis of their molecular structures,emphasizing the inherent toxicity and environmental risks posed by these compounds.The review highlights the significant role of flexible sensors in facilitating the electrochemical detection of organophosphate-based agents,offering insights into their design,development,and application in detection methodologies.Additionally,the article critically evaluates the challenges encountered in this field,such as sensor sensitivity and sample complexity,and discusses potential solutions to address these challenges.Furthermore,it outlines the future scope and opportunities for advancement in electrochemical detection technologies,includ-ing the integration of novel materials and the exploration of innovative detection strategies.By synthesizing current research findings and identifying future research directions,this review contributes to the ongoing discourse on the detection and mitigation of organophosphate-based agents’risks to human health and the environment.

Wearable membranes from zirconium-oxo clusters cross-linked polymer networks for ultrafast chemical warfare agents decontamination

The urgent need for immediate personal protection against chemical warfare agents(CWAs)spurs the requirement on robust and highly efficient catalytic systems that can be conveniently integrated to wearable devices.Herein,as a new concept for CWA decontamination catalyst design,sub-nanoscale,catalytically active zirconium-oxo molecular clusters are covalently integrated in flexible polymer network as crosslinkers for the full exposure of catalytic sites as well as robust framework structures.The obtained membrane catalysts exhibit high swelling ratio with aqueous content as 84 wt%and therefore,demonstrate quasi-homogeneous catalytic activity toward the rapid hydrolysis of both CWA,soman(GD)(t_(1/2)=5.0 min)and CWA simulant,methyl paraoxon(DMNP)(t_(1/2)=8.9 min).Meanwhile,due to the covalent nature of cross-linkages and the high flexibility of polymer strands,the membranes possess promising mechanical strength and toughness that can stand the impact of high gas pressures and show high permeation for both CO_(2)and O_(2),enabling their extended applications in the field of collective/personal protective materials with body comfort.

Protection of armoured vehicles against chemical, biological and radiological contamination

The article presents problems related to mechanical protection of vehicles with different add-on armours against chemical,biological and radiological contamination.This applies to vehicles with additional passive,reactive and hybrid protection in the form of cassettes against piercing with anti-tank projectiles,piercing with their kinetic energy of impact,and as a result of chemical energy of shaped charges as well as explosively formed projectiles.It has been shown how increased ballistic protection of these vehicles at the same time reduces their decontaminability in various places of the vehicle due to the increased additional surface of the vehicle with cassettes.Prevention of contamination of these cassettes has been presented as a way of reducing hard to reach surface for decontamination and a method of insulating construction elements(stands),fixing these cassettes to the vehicle,from the environment to prevent contact with contaminated liquids and dusts.The selection of appropriate materials is shown,which may affect the improvement of the decontamination efficiency of the vehicle with such cassettes.This applies to the use of materials with low absorption of chemical warfare agents,which prevent the accumulation of large amounts of these agents on contaminated surfaces and improve the effectiveness of decontamination.It also shows how to ensure better access of the disinfectant to as much of the vehicle surface as possible,covered with cassettes that have been contaminated.It shows how a vehicle,in particular with such cassettes,can provide protection against radar detection when Radar Absorbent Material is used on vehicle cassettes.

Decontamination of Chemical Warfare Agents by Novel Oximated Acrylate Copolymer

A novel acrylate copolymer,polymethylacrylate-β-(bromoacetyl ethyl)ester-co-N,N-dimethylacrylamide[P(MABE-co-DMAA)]was synthesized by the copolymerization of N,N-dimethylacrylamide and methylacrylate-β-(bromoacetyl ethyl)ester.Subsequently,the copolymer was oximated by 4-pyridinium aldoxime(4-PAM),and was abbreviated as PAM-P(MABE-co-DMAA).A maximum oxime conversion of 53.7%was obtained.The as-prepared oximated copolymer PAM-P(MABE-co-DMAA)effectively decontaminated chemical warfare agents(CWAs)including methylphosphonofluoridate(sarin or GB),S-2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl O-ethyl methylphosphonothioate(VX),and 2,2′-dichloroethyl sulfide(sulfur mustard,or HD).The detoxification rates were 90.6%for GB,85.7%for VX,and 90.5%for HD.Chromogenic analysis,high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(HPLC/MS)and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC/MS)were used to identify the decontamination products,and the decontamination mechanism was concluded to be a combination of nucleophilic substitution and a second order Beckmann rearrangement.Furthermore,the active decontamination materials,such as decontamination cloths and covers could be made from the oximated copolymer by virtue of its processability,as well as its strong ability to degrade CWA.

Improvements to the Fluoride Reactivation Method by Simple Organic Extraction for Retrospective Detection of Exposure to the Organophosphorus Nerve Agents in Human Plasma

A rapid and simple organic extraction method for the determination of the chemical warfare agent, isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate (sarin, GB) in human plasma has been developed using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). In the course of method development, several organic solvents have been screened and chloroform show a low background and increase signal to noise ratio of GB among other organic solvents. Especially, the organic extraction method of reactivated GB from the human plasma has a 30% greater recovery yield than solid-phase ex-traction (SPE). This simple extraction method was successfully applied to the trace analysis of nerve agents in human plasma in the 3rd Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confidence building exercise on biomedical sample analysis.

Portable System for CWA Detection Using Micro Array Gas Sensor

Biochemistry weapon is raising new tools of war and terror.This research is an experiment about portable system for CWAs (chemical warfare agents) detection using micro array gas system.CWAs were divided into four types such as blood, nerve,vesicant,and choking agent.To detect various CWAs,semiconductor thick film sensor array based on tin oxide was fabricated and their gas responses were examined.Operating temperature was range of 250℃to 350℃and gas concentration was range of 0.1μg/g to 10μg/g.Sensor array was measured as operating temperatures,concentrations for four simulant agents of CWAs.Extracted parameters from results were carried out classification among CWAs through the principal component analysis (PCA).Also,classification of gases is studied using adaptive resonance theory (ART) that is one of neural network algorithm.Results displayed using PDA system.

Pros and Cons in Therapeutic Evaluation of Paraoxonase 1 in Nerve Agent Toxicity

PON 1 （Paraoxonase 1） has been proposed as an efficient catalytic bioscavenger to combat against OP （organophosphate） and CWNA （chemical warfare nerve agent） toxicity. Unlike stoichiometric bioscavengers such as butyrylcholinesterase, catalytic bioscavengers are cost effective with the advantage of eliminating all the OPs/CWNAs at low doses. Analysis of catalytic bioscavenger efficacy of PONI showed promising results by various group of researchers. Still, there are large numbers of grey areas which are not addressed so far. One of the major areas of interest is the pharmacokinetic analysis of infused PON 1 in multiple animal models. It is shown that previous studies in mice significantly increased half-life of PONI, while recent studies in guinea pigs from our group showed reduced half-life of PON1. Similar results were reported by other research groups in guinea pigs and non-human primates. The short half-life of exogenously administered PON1 in multiple animal models may be due to poor association of PON1 with its endogenous carrier, high density lipoprotein or lower doses of PON 1 or a reflection of species difference. These observations warrant the significance of thorough pharmacokinetic analysis of infused PON 1 and the development of alternative approaches for successful utility of PON 1 as an efficient medical countermeasure against OP/CWNA toxicity.

金属有机框架/聚丙烯纤维基复合材料对化学战剂模拟物的快速降解

为将金属有机框架(MOFs)均匀且稳固地固定在纤维材料表面,创造出柔软且具备自净化防护面料,采用单宁酸-3-氨丙基三乙氧基硅烷(TA-APTES)涂层改性的聚丙烯(PP)非织造布作为载体,通过原位生长法制备高MOFs负载量的纤维基复合材料。借助扫描电子显微镜、红外光谱仪、X-射线衍射仪、X-射线光电子能谱仪等手段对复合材料的表面形貌、组成和化学结构进行表征,并对复合材料的MOFs负载量和表面浸润性进行了分析。结果表明:TA-APTES涂层能够显著提高复合材料中MOFs的负载量,可达20.96%;并且有效提高复合材料的表面湿润性,从而提高其在水溶液中的催化降解效率,实现快速降解化学战剂模拟物4-硝基苯磷酸二甲酯(DMNP),在30 min左右即可实现100%的转化率,其降解半衰期短(4.8 min)。

Bacterial microcompartment-mimicking Pickering emulsion droplets for detoxification of chemical threats under sweet conditions

Chemical warfare agents represent a severe threat to mankind and their efficient decontamination is a global necessity.However,traditional disposal strategies have limitations,including high energy consumption,use of aggressive reagents and generation of toxic byproducts.Here,inspired by the compartmentalized architecture and detoxification mechanism of bacterial microcompartments,we constructed oil-in-water Pickering emulsion droplets stabilized by hydrogen-bonded organic framework immobilized cascade enzymes for decontaminating mustard gas simulant(2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide,CEES)under sweet conditions.Two exemplified droplet systems were developed with two-enzyme(glucose oxidase/chloroperoxidase)and threeenzyme(invertase/glucose oxidase/chloroperoxidase)cascades,both achieving over 6-fold enhancement in decontamination efficiency compared with free enzymes and>99% selectivity towards non-toxic sulfoxide.We found that the favored mass transfer of sugars and CEES from their respective phases to approach the cascade enzymes located at the droplet surface and the facilitated substrate channeling between proximally immobilized enzymes were key factors in augmenting the decontamination efficacy.More importantly,the robustness of immobilized enzymes enabled easy reproduction of both the droplet formation and detoxification performance over 10 cycles,following long-term storage and in far-field locations.

化学毒剂侦检、防护与洗消装备的现状与发展

本文从侦检、防护、洗消3个方面对美国、德国等国防化装备的研究现状进行了详细介绍,并指出轻巧、耐用、检测快速精准、远距离探测、无人化探测是侦检装备的重要发展方向;采用新材料,发展后勤负担小、轻型舒适的防护装备是各国追求的目标;研制高效能、广谱、低腐蚀、环保无污染的洗消剂始终是一个重要趋势,重点发展高温、高压、射流、免水等洗消技术和大、中、小型系列洗消装备,满足多功能、智能化、快速机动的要求,以适应多样化、多层次、多目标的洗消需要。

染毒粮食中7种化学战剂的气相色谱分析方法

为了研究染毒粮食（大米、面粉）中７种化学战剂的检测方法，建立了相应的气相色谱分析方法。该法采用火焰光度检测器检测，ＢＰ－１０毛细管色谱柱分离，二氯甲烷萃取。模拟染毒大米、面粉中化学战剂测定相对误差为２．０％～１２．０％、８．１０％～２７．３％。相对标准偏差分别为０．９％～６．１０％、３．９５％～１６．８％。方法的最低检出浓度为０．０１～２μｇ／ｇ。所建方法操作简便。

基于PVDF膜的QCM对DMMP的气敏特性研究

神经性毒剂是化学战剂的重要分支.为了检测神经性毒剂模拟剂甲基膦酸二甲酯(DMMP),使用毛细管在压电石英晶体(QCM)的电极上滴涂上不同质量的聚偏氟乙烯(PVDF)溶液,干燥后作为敏感膜.室温下测试QCM对不同浓度的DMMP的响应情况,发现QCM的频率变化与气体浓度有着良好的线性关系.该实验结果表明,PVDF可以作为检测DMMP的很好的敏感材料.

空气传播的生化袭击与建筑环境安全(1):综述

介绍了当今世界生化恐怖活动的现状与发展趋势 ,指出空气传播的生化袭击已对建筑物的安全构成了严重威胁。概述了生化袭击给建筑环境安全带来的新问题和国外的研究现状 ,具体分析了生化灾害的特点和我国建筑环境安全可能存在的问题 ,并进一步从生化袭击的防范。

生化战剂除剂方法

综述了生化战剂除剂的几种方法,常规方法包括焚烧、等离子体高温分解、氢解、超临界水氧化、超热漂白等高温除剂方法和水解、氨解、电化学氧化、溶剂化电子技术、非水溶剂取代、光化学氧化等低温除剂方法.从实战出发可以采用高温燃烧弹、微乳液等方法,若需有效摧毁地下深埋的生化武器,可采用核除剂的方法,即利用低当量核爆炸产生的高温、高压和强辐射等效应原位摧毁生化战剂,其附带毁伤效应要比常规除剂方法小得多.

处理日遗化武医学保障实践

日遗化武是中日两国的重大历史遗留问题。1945年日本战败投降后,侵华日军将大量化学武器掩埋在中国。迄今为止,已在中国大陆19个省(市、自治区)发现日遗化武,其主要种类有化学炮弹、化学航弹、毒气筒以及散装毒剂桶等,装填毒剂的类型主要包括糜烂性毒剂、刺激性毒剂、窒息性毒剂、全身中毒性毒剂等。为尽快清除日遗化武,减少毒害,中日两国政府组织力量进行了大量的探测、挖掘、回收和销毁等相关作业。目前,中日双方已挖掘回收日遗化武5万余枚(件)。销毁日遗化武的工作也于2010年10月在南京正式启动。处理日遗化武作业的医学保障要点:一是妥善处理新发现日遗化武伤人事件,二是切实做好突发事件应急医学救援,三是积极做好日遗化武作业现场日常医疗保障。

声表面波化学战剂气体传感器的研究

介绍了声表面波气体传感器的基本工作原理和设计方法,通过SAW芯片拓扑结构、敏感膜、覆膜工艺和信号处理电路等方面的优化,研制出两种SAW化学战剂气体传感器,具有灵敏度高、响应和解吸附快,抗干扰能力强的特点。

等离子体技术在化学毒剂洗消中的研究进展

等离子体技术在化学毒剂洗消领域的应用已备受关注,介绍了大气压等离子体喷射器和冷等离子体反应器分别在化学毒剂染毒表面和染毒空气洗消中的研究进展,并提出了该技术应用于洗消领域尚需解决的问题和发展趋势。