Abstract 2219 Detection of biothreats: Selection and development of aptamers for Botulinum neurotoxin

Biothreats are dangerous pathogens, and toxic substances that are quickly and widely distributed in population. According to NIH and CDC, biothreats include pathogenic agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and toxins. These molecules or pathogens have potential of killing people or originate a malaise because of severe illness. There is a need for reliable biosensors to detect biothreats in real time. Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT) is one of the most poisonous biological substances known, is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which is category A biothreat.