We report for the first time the efficient use of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) for extraction of ricin to analytical purposes, followed by the combined use of sodium dodecyl ...sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and MALDI-TOF MS/MS method. That has provided a fast and unambiguous method of ricin identification for in real cases of forensic investigation of suspected samples. Additionally, MALDI-TOF MS was applied to characterize the presence and the toxic activity of ricin in irradiated samples. Samples containing ricin were subjected to ASE, irradiated with different dosages of gamma radiation, and analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS/MS for verification of the intact protein signal. For identification purposes, samples were previously subjected to SDS-PAGE, for purification and separation of the chains, followed by digestion with trypsin, and analysis by MALDI-TOF MS/MS. The results were confirmed by verification of the amino acid sequences of some selected peptides by MALDI-TOF MS/MS. The samples residual toxic activity was evaluated through incubation with a DNA substrate, to simulate the attack by ricin, followed by MALDI-TOF MS/MS analyses.
After one century from the beginning of World War I, the threat of a possible usage of chemical warfare agents is back again. However, in our time, the potential targets of an attack with ...non-conventional toxic chemicals are civilian populations in a terrorist attack, rather than equipped and well-trained military troops in battlefields. Chemical weapons indeed are able to inflict not only material damages, but also noteworthy psychological consequences on the public opinion. An analysis of the most common misconceptions and a summary of the main advantages and disadvantages linked to the use of chemical weapons, in warfare actions or in terrorist attack, are discussed here.
The CBRN detection indicates, by any means, the presence of a CBRN substance. One of the most important elements of this is the chemical detector. Detection of chemical warfare agents and toxic ...industrial materials is required for a timely warning of units. The equipment of CBRN reconnaissance organizations is a critical factor that fundamentally determines the ability of subunits. Thus, one of the technical pillars of the threat response can be considered the capability of CBRN reconnaissance instruments, including chemical detectors. In addition to the capacity of instruments for the detection and identification of chemical, biological and radioactive materials, their size and mass are also important factors for field application. When designing the equipment of CBRN reconnaissance subunits, it is important to create a detector collection suitable for the organization’s application purposes. The author of the article presents the key elements of CBRN defence and highlights the development of tools that are based on IMS technology.
In the field of chemical and biological defence, technical and technological developments have followed those of threats and risks. As a result, the means of detection, identification, protection, ...decontamination and medical, preventive or curative treatments have been significantly improved. CBRN defence More efficient, faster and especially more reliable, the equipment has undeniably made it possible to improve the CBRN defences in particular in these specific areas in order to better cope with major events. Without being exhaustive, this paper proposes to present the most significant developments in the field of chemical and biological defence, including the use of Robotics Systems, knowing that technical and technological developments have also been significant in the nuclear and radiological fields which will not be discussed here. Robotics: The Mobile Robotics Systems begin to emerge in applications related to the security and the environmental surveillance: prevention of disasters, intervention during disasters, assistance to Fire-Fighting and/or Protection Services, with all possible kinds of mission ensuring the safety of the human beings.
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