Mission

The BioDefense Branch acts as the Joint Focal Point for R&D for the handling, sampling, detection, and decontamination of highly pathogenic biological organisms and use of biotechnological systems to detect and destroy chemical warfare agents and other potential threat materials. Efforts include conducting basic research on non-medical countermeasures, pathogenicity studies, gene regulation and detection evaluations that rely upon handling moderate risk microorganisms to those causing serious and potentially lethal infection. These tasks are conducted utilizing biological containment facilities up to and including Bio Safety Level 3. The branch’s facilities can accommodate the receipt, verification, handling, and tracking of required test articles, and the proper storage of select agents.

Capabilities

• Growth and purification of biological agents to include pilot scale fermentation up to 75 liters
• Chemical and biological agent enzymatic and vaporous hydrogen peroxide decontamination
• Detection by immunological, genetic, or physical means
• Full spectrum basic and applied research

Mission

To exploit and advance biological, chemical and physical sciences and technologies for the benefit and support of warfighters. To apply and discover fundamental biophysical properties and phenomena to understand and protect homeland security, particularly against weapons of mass destruction. To mentor and train the next generation of CBRNE biophysical researchers.

Mission

The BioSensors Branch is a Joint Focal Point for the research, development, and quality testing of immunochemical and DNA based biosensors, in support of fielded detection and identification systems. The mission utilizes a synergistic approach involving sample processing, assay development, and optimization with sensor systems. The Branch’s objective is to produce superior quality data, products, and processes for its customers. The Branch’s missions fall into four broad categories: sample preparation and processing, sample analysis, immunological and nucleic acid biosensor testing and evaluation, and immunological and nucleic acid assay design and development.

Capabilities
ISO 17025 Accreditation

• Immunological and DNA/RNA assay design and development
• Immunological and DNA/RNA biodetector development
• Testing, and evaluation
• Biosensor and bioassay assessment
• Large and small volume sample preparation for immunological and DNA/RNA assays
• Sample analyses
• Reagent preparation, purification, and packaging (e.g. lyophilization)
• BL2 capability
• Bacterial, viral, and tissue culturing
• Microscopy
• Microarray analysis

Mission

The BioTechnology Branch conducts basic and applied research in genomics, proteomics, in vitro toxicology, and bioprocess engineering with particular reference to chemical and biological defense and the Army Transformation. We provide full spectrum biomanufacturing capability for DOD biotechnology programs and leverage these assets with the biotechnology industry.

Capabilities

The team has full spectrum biotechnology capability ranging from cell and molecular biology to downstream protein separation, purification, nd cryopreservation. A Class 10,000 clean room is being built and certified for cGMP biomanufacturing, and fermentation processes up to 1,500 liters are available. The group is staffed with molecular biologists, neuropharmacologists, biochemical engineers, cellular biologists, immunologists, protein chemists, and genomics /proteomics/bioinformatics specialists.