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Technological advancements for the detection of and protection against biological and chemical warfare agents

2007; Royal Society of Chemistry; Volume: 36; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1039/b615227a

1460-4744

Lisa M. Eubanks, Tobin J. Dickerson, Kim D. Janda,

Pesticide Exposure and Toxicity

There is a growing need for technological advancements to combat agents of chemical and biological warfare, particularly in the context of the deliberate use of a chemical and/or biological warfare agent by a terrorist organization. In this tutorial review, we describe methods that have been developed both for the specific detection of biological and chemical warfare agents in a field setting, as well as potential therapeutic approaches for treating exposure to these toxic species. In particular, nerve agents are described as a typical chemical warfare agent, and the two potent biothreat agents, anthrax and botulinum neurotoxin, are used as illustrative examples of potent weapons for which countermeasures are urgently needed.