Detoxing the air

A new European project is set to improve security for travellers using European airports and other large public spaces.

The project will develop sensors capable of detecting a wide range of toxic agents which could be used in chemical, biological or terrorist attack. The system will provide early warning of the presence of explosive materials and, in the case of airborne toxins, will be able to extract and decontaminate the air supply. The system will be designed for use at airports and other public spaces.

The project is based on nano-scale biosensor technology recently developed at Bangor University. The technology is capable of detecting the presence of explosives by detecting minuscule airborne particles given off by the explosive materials. (To levels of parts per trillion in air).

Bangor University is the only UK university involved in the 26 partner consortium that won the European funding to develop the project, along with 4 UK businesses (3 Wales-based). The original concept was developed by Professor Maher Kalaji and the electrochemistry and sensors group at the University's School of Chemistry, who have proved and patented the concept of a nanoscaled biosensor using genetically modified enzymes.