Rapid identification of biological particles using on-the-fly fluorescent marking

We are developing a novel method to fluorescently label specific biological aerosols on-the-fly using an in-line electrospray technique. Fluorescently labeled biomarkers such as molecular beacons, aptamer beacons, or those constructed from antibodies, will be used to coat aerosol particles in an air stream. Single biological particles with appropriate receptors will be tagged with biomarkers that fluoresce at a particular wavelength allowing the particle to be identified in near real time using a simple laser induced fluorescence technique. The fluorescent markers are normally quenched in the absence of their target analyte, permitting the use of mixtures of different biomarkers for simultaneously identifying multiple types of biological particles. The technique can also be applied to inorganic particulate with a molecular surface composition that lends itself to epitopic binding. Some of the issues that are currently being investigated include the kinetics of biomarker binding in an aerosol stream, optimal electrospray geometries and the nondestructive charging of biological particles on the fly.