NIDS ACE Test System | ANP Technologies, Inc.

General Description
The NIDS® ACE Test is an in vitro analytical test for the rapid qualitative detection of acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides, nerve agents, and heavy metals in water and food. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that stimulates muscle contraction. In humans and other vertebrates, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the enzyme that hydrolyzes acetylcholine, thereby regulating its levels. When AChE is inhibited, the excess acetylcholine causes the nervous system to lose control over the muscular system, resulting in convulsions, asphyxia, heart arrest, and death. Many pesticides, such as organophosphates, carbamates, and chemical warfare nerve agents, are AChE inhibitors. These classes of contaminants may be present in drinking water as the result of farm irrigation run-off where pesticides have been used or possibly by the intentional contamination of water by terrorist groups. The ACE Test is a quick method for the determination of possible water contamination by these classes of contaminants.

Technical Description
The NIDS® ACE Test is based on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and other enzymes by pesticides and neurotoxins. Two different enzymes are used, Reagent A and Reagent B. Reagents A and B contain enzymes which have different reactivities with different acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting compounds. The reagents are lyophilized to ensure long term stability. A sample of water is introduced into a vial of Reagent A and Reagent B. A negative control composed of purified water is introduced into similar vials of Reagent A and Reagent B. The vials are mixed and allowed to react with any compounds present in the water. Acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting compounds in the water will deactivate one or both of the lyophilized enzymes. The negative control, which does not contain acetylcholinesterase inhibiting compounds, will not be deactivated. Samples from the test and control vials are introduced into designated wells on test tickets which contain filter pads that have been treated with a fluorescent substrate. The sample and control are allowed to react with the fluorescent substrate and then the level of fluorescent product in each well is measured by a reader. If the test sample contains acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting compounds, then the level of fluorescence in the test well will be significantly lower than in the control well in one or both of the tests.

Notes:
This system is the core technology in the DoD's Water Monitoring System.

Evaluation Criteria

THROUGHPUT:

Between 15 and 30 minutes for detection
Multiple samples, single tests/sample per run
Less than 32 samples every 2 hours
The system could be adapted to a semi-automated system with some effort
Device or system is intended for multiple detection assays
2 solutions, buffer, eluents, and/or reagents
3 components
Less than 5 minutes is required
6-8 steps are required for detection

LOGISTICS:

An afternoon of training and some technical skills required
Approximately the size of a toaster
Between 1 and 5 kg
Wired connections are available
System or device uses batteries
4-8 hours battery life

OPERATIONS:

Can be used from 4°C to 37°C
Components must be stored at room temperature (27°C)
Performance is not influenced by relative humidity
Between 1 to 3 years shelf life
5-10 years expected life
The system could be adapted to a fully autonomous system with significant effort
The system software is closed and not available for modification
The system hardware is closed and not available for modification

DETECTION:

Possible the system could receive 510K clearance, no current efforts at this time
Possible the system could receive FDA approval, no current efforts at this time
Greater than 250 µL
Excellent specificity. System has occasional false alarms under certain conditions (<2%)
1 ppb-1 ppm
Possible system could identify aerosolized chemical agent
System currently can identify liquid chemical agent

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