Toxin Detection As Close As An Inkjet Printer

If that office inkjet printer has become just another fixture, it's time to take a fresh look at it. Similar technology may soon be used to develop **paper-based biosensors** that can detect certain harmful toxins that can cause **food poisoning** or be used as **bioterrorism** agents. This simple and cost-effective method of adhering biochemical reagents to paper is expected to bring the concept of bioactive paper a significant step closer to commercialization. The goal for bioactive paper is to provide a rapid, portable, disposable and inexpensive way of detecting harmful substances, including toxins, pathogens and viruses, without the need for sophisticated instrumentation. More "Eurekalert":[ http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-07/mu-tda071309.php]

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