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Advanced Biosensors Laboratory

The horrific terrorist events of September 11, 2001, followed by the surprisingly wide-spread dissemination of anthrax spores by contaminated U.S. Postal Service mail, brought home to Americans the realities and potential dangers of biological warfare. As a result of these events, the President and the U.S. Congress have established homeland security and bioterrorism preparedness as this Nation's highest priority. The USF Center for Biological Defense, which was established in 2000 with funding from the U.S. Congress and the Department of Defense, is an umbrella organization that oversees biodefense research, education, and laboratory response. A major part of the Center for Biological Defense is the Advanced Biosensors Laboratory, located in the Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, College of Arts & Sciences under the direction of Dr. Daniel V. Lim.

This research laboratory, staffed by eleven scientists, currently occupies 8500 sq ft of space in the Interdisciplinary Research Building in the USF Research Park. The USF Advanced Biosensors Laboratory is supported by $1 million annually in funding from the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, and other agencies, and collaborates closely with companies, federal and state agencies, and other universities to develop innovative state-of-the-art technologies for rapid detection of bioterrorism and infectious disease agents to protect the Nation's infrastructure. The Laboratory is internationally known for its expertise in sample processing and development of antibody- , nucleic acid- , and receptor-based biosensor assays to rapidly detect pathogenic microorganisms and toxins in food, water, air, and infectious disease specimens.

Using advanced technology originally designed for the military, Dr. Lim and his interdisciplinary team of microbiologists, molecular biologists, immunologists, and engineers are able to detect dangerous pathogens in minutes instead of days using portable fiber optic biosensors. Such rapid detection of pathogens represents a significant technological advance and could improve public health through reduced morbidities and mortalities. Potential users of such technology include not only the military and first responders, but also food processors, municipal water utilities, hospitals, public health agencies, and operators of recreational facilities and tourist attractions. The widespread practical applications of this technology and its impact on economic development are a prime example of the success of government/corporate/ academic partnerships.