THREAT AGENT SCIENCES.
Threat Agent Sciences provides the United States and the Chemical Biological Defense Program with the critical information needed to prevent surprise and maintain operational readiness in response to adversarial use of chemical warfare materials.
The Threat Agent Sciences team has specialized expertise and infrastructure to conduct experimentation with highly hazardous materials in order to assess the risk of traditional, non-traditional and future chemical threats faced by the joint force.
THREAT AGENT SCIENCES CAPABILITIES:
AGENT SYNTHESIS AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- Synthesis and determination of physical and chemical properties of organophosphorous and biologically active compounds.
- Perform analyses using various instruments to include HPLC/MS (MS/MS), HPLC/MALS, GC/MS,GC/ECD/IC,CE, etc. for structure elucidation.
- Separation of optically active isomers using chiral column chromatography and/or resolution techniques.
FORENSIC ANALYTICAL
- Collection and analysis of samples for the presence of chemical warfare related materials and also toxins, explosives, or pesticides. In addition, the branch is capable of conducting thorough chemical analysis on samples in diverse matrices including both environmental (e.g. soils, flooring, clothing) and biomedical (e.g. whole blood, plasma, urine).
- On-site and laboratory analysis using techniques such as gas chromatography (GC) (with various detectors), liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS) (low and high resolution), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), elemental analysis with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and various hand-held detector technologies (e.g. FTIR, RAMAN).
- All sampling and analysis work is performed in accordance with an ISO 17025 certified quality system.
- Capable of rapid off-site deployable missions involving handheld detector interrogation, sample preparation, and GC-MS analysis.
- Training and expert consultation services.
- Analyses on ultra-trace level, pure materials, or any concentration between these extremes.
PREDICTIVE TECHNOLOGY
- Microphysiological systems and organ-on-a-chip technologies
- In silico programs for software estimates of chemical toxicity
- Electrophysiology using Patch Clamp Technology
- Physiological based pharmacokinetic modeling and simulations
- Zebrafish colony with behavioral assay
- Bioprinting
MAMMALIAN TOXICOLOGY
- Unique facilities for acute toxicity testing by intravenous, oral, dermal and Inhalation routes. Includes multiple nose-only exposure systems, and whole-body 250 and 1000L inhalation chambers contained with glove boxes.
- Extensive experience with multiple small and large animal models, to include development and application of unique surgical procedures to optimize data collection. Currently house and maintain the only existing hairless guinea pig colony in the United States or Europe.
- CW risk assessment including cross-species and cross-route extrapolation modeling (allometric and PB-PK/PD).
- Unique testing facilities for smoke/obscurant, pyro/explosive toxicological evaluations.
- Subject matter experts in surgical procedures, respiratory physiology, PB-PK modeling, pyrotechnic dissemination, and dermal, inhalation and general toxicology (DABT certified).
ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND TOXICOLOGY
- Environmental toxicity and ecotoxicology effects of chemicals in the environment
- Operational greenhouse
- Evaluation of various matrices for CW material fate
EMPLOYMENT CHARACTERIZATION
- Characterization of atmosphere and agent properties in an aerosolized state
- Scalable methods including glove box, large chamber and field assessments
MODELING AND SIMULATION
- Hosts the Center’s connectivity into the Army Persistent Experimentation eNvironment (APEN), the collaborative environment for Army Futures Command (AFC) simulation-aided experimentation. APEN is being used by AFC to inform Army Modernization strategies through simulation with the Battle Labs and the DEVCOM R&D Centers.
- Proficient with the following languages and statistical applications: R, MiniTab, JMP, MATLAB. Conversant in Python. We are experienced developers and users of stochastic and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods.
- Expert users for the following externally developed simulations: OneSAF (combat simulation), EASEE (sensor placement tool), HPAC (atmospheric transport and dispersion), HPAC Analyst (detailed cloud visualization/analysis), Plume Tool (allows HPAC plumes to be used by OneSAF), and Individual Protection System Performance Model (IP SPM). IP SPM development was overseen by MSA.
- Internally developed tools for disease spread modeling (EDDIS), detector test technical evaluation (Chem AVOID), and other special use models/simulations as required. SBIR technology reviews in areas of expertise.
BATTLEFIELD INTEGRATION
- Warfighter-focused Engagement & Field Demonstration Events:
- Service Command and Control Integration
- Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) Applications
- Sensor Data Integration
- CBRN Tactical Radio Networks
CONTACT US.
If you have questions about any of the capabilities listed above, please contact:
DR. KYLE GLOVER
WORK WITH US.
If you are in need of DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center’s services, doing business with us has never been easier. We have in place a variety of agreements and funding mechanisms that can be rapidly activated so you can readily access our expertise and facilities.