Triangulation Identification for Genetic Evaluation of Risks (TIGER)

To detect the presence of a threat agent, DARPA is investing in the development of advanced Biosensor Defense Systems that are robust, autonomous, fast, and sensitive.

The TIGER (Triangulation Identification for Genetic Evaluation of Risk) biosensor provides a novel and universal approach to the identification of biological agents. The process uses mass spectrometry, signal processing, and base composition analysis of PCR amplification products from biologically conserved regions of microbial genomes to simultaneously identify the bacterial or viral organisms present in patient or environmental samples without need for culture. The use of biologically essential gene targets to obtain microbe signatures enables high probability of detection for both natural and bioengineered agents. The TIGER system has been rigorously validated for use in important biodefense applications including surveillance for biological weapons agents in environmental samples and analysis of a broad range of biological samples for important human pathogens. In FY 05, the technology will be advanced to classify previously unknown microbes and to determine whether a microbe has been genetically altered. The TIGER instrumentation has been automated and is being deployed to government transition partners. Transition partners include USAMRIID, the Naval Health Research Center, the Department of Homeland Security's National Bioforensic Analysis Center, and the CDC.