In a pandemic or exposure to weaponized Marburg virus the morbidity, mortality and social unrest that will ensue before vaccines orMilitary operating on foreign soil as well as to the population of the US Homeland. Practically all threat agents of biological origin (except forcertain non-proteinaceous toxins, typically produced by marine organisms and fungi) have their structure and vital function intimatelyintertwined with highly characteristic protein molecules. Detection and characterization of these signature protein molecules can provide anextremely accurate approach to the detection of the threat agents. We propose to develop, prototype and validate a field-portable massspectrometer with associated disposable cartridges for biothreat agents. The system will be capable of detecting all classes of biothreat agentsin cluttered sample matrices. The disposable cartridge will be used to prepare the sample for analysis in the spectrometer. The system isanticipated to have an analysis time of less than 5 minutes and will have a cost per sample of less than $20.
