Clemson Could Make Detecting Nuclear Materials Easier

Research aimed at creating a new biosensor that would help military investigators search for signs of nuclear activities, including weapons development, is moving forward under the leadership of a former naval officer who now is a Clemson University faculty member.

Nicole Martinez and her team are beginning to lay the groundwork for a biosensor that could help determine whether the radiation is natural or manmade and peaceful or weapons grade. It could help investigators search for labs amid concerns a nation or group could illicitly develop weapons of mass destruction.

“The unique aspect of the biosensor we envision is that it would give an indication of radiation exposure even after the radiation source is removed or relocated,” Martinez said. “Moreover, the proposed biosensor may distinguish between types of radiation, which would provide insight into its origin.”

The biosensor would be an improvement on current radiation-detection systems that are easily identified, must be placed close to the radiation source and report on radiation emitted only at the time the detection system is present.

Martinez, an assistant professor in the environmental engineering and Earth sciences department, is the principal investigator on the $866,884 project. It lasts three years and could be eligible for a two-year extension, boosting the total to about $1.5 million.

The team had its kickoff meeting this week.

The project is funded by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Mark Blenner, the Dean’s Assistant Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering  is the co-principal investigator.