Next generation bio aerosol systems receives boost

It works as an air freshener would, but its has a more serious prupose. Arlington, Virginia-based ICx Technologies said that its bio detection business unit, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been awarded a $1.5 million contract by DHS to continue development of a second-generation bio-aerosol sensor (LBAS). ICx was granted the award to commence Phase II activities through the DHS Detect-to-Protect program after successful completion of the initial development phase. The second phase in the development of the LBAS will include refinement of and modifications to the sensor system design and the creation, testing and analysis of prototypes in real-world environments. “Our LBAS system, based upon the superior technologies developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, marries highly advanced sensor capabilities with low cost and real-world practicality,” said Colin Cumming, president of ICx Detection. “The system is ideal for use in a variety of homeland security and critical infrastructure security applications, whether in commercial facilities or subway systems, to detect biological threats and help save lives. We look forward to continuing our support of DHS and its Detect-to-Protect program.”

Bio-aerosol sensors detect the presence of biological threats such as anthrax, tularemia, and smallpox. The ICx LBAS sensors provide early warning of these threats, allowing for the initiation of protective responses that can minimize bio-agent dispersion, such as administering of antidotes to any exposed personnel, even before they begin showing symptoms of contamination.