Two-temperature preparation method for PDMS-based canine training aids for explosives

MacCrehan, William A.; Young, Mimy; Schantz, Michele M.; Angle, T. Craig; Waggoner, Paul; Fischer, Terrance

doi:10.1016/j.forc.2020.100290

Cited by 13 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…This system was based on diffusion/permeation of volatiles through heat‐sealed low‐density polyethylene bags. More recently, MacCrehan et al have introduced a method to monitor the evolution of odors in real time and developed a training aid based on poly(dimethyl silicone) (PDMS) that has been impregnated with explosive vapor [12–16]. A recent (2020) and excellent review of canine training aids has been published by Simon et al [17]…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of an odor permeable membrane device for the storage of explosives and use as canine training aids

Davis

Reavis

Goodpaster

2023

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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The storage and use of explosives is regulated at the state and federal level, with a particular focus on physical security and rigorous accounting of the explosive inventory. For those working with explosives for the training and testing of explosive‐detecting canines, cross‐contamination is an important concern. Hence, explosives intended for use with canine teams must be placed into secondary storage containers that are new, clean, and airtight. A variety of containers meet these requirements and include screw‐top glass jars (e.g., mason jars). However, an additional need from the explosive‐detecting canine community is secondary containers that can also be used as training aids whereby the volatiles emitted by explosives are emitted in a predictable and stable manner. Currently, a generally accepted method for the storage of explosives and controlled emission of explosive vapor for canine detection does not exist. Ideally, such containers should allow odor to escape from the training aid but block external contaminates such as particulates or other volatiles. One method in use places the explosive inside a permeable cotton bag when in use for training and then stores the cotton bag inside an impermeable nylon bag for long‐term storage. This paper describes the testing of an odor permeable membrane device (OPMD) as a new way to store and deploy training aids. We measured the evaporation rate and flux of various liquid explosives and volatile compounds that have been identified in the headspace of actual explosives. OPMDs were used in addition to traditional storage containers to monitor the contamination and degradation of 14 explosives used as canine training aids. Explosives were stored individually using traditional storage bags or inside an OPMD at two locations, one of which actively used the training aids. Samples from each storage type at both locations were collected at 0, 3, 6, and 9 months and analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) with Solid‐Phase Microextraction (SPME). FTIR analyses showed no signs of degradation. GC–MS identified cross‐contamination from ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) and/or 2,3‐dimethyl‐2,3‐dinitrobutane (DMNB) across almost all samples regardless of storage condition. The contamination was found to be higher among training aids that were stored in traditional ways and that were in active use by canine teams.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of an odor permeable membrane device for the storage of explosives and use as canine training aids

Davis

Reavis

Goodpaster

2023

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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“…The POCR training aids were prepared for use in biological detection using a method similar to those previously described for explosives odor capture ( 22 , 26 ) with biological target-specific modifications for sterilization, patent pending ( 27 ). Odor profiles were “charged” onto the polymer material in a biosafety hood using standard laboratory clean technique.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recent studies with a polymer-based odor capture and release (POCR) training aid demonstrated its capability of presenting qualitatively the same target-based odor profile for explosives such as triacetone triperoxide (TATP), for use in detection canine training ( 20 – 22 ). This aid represents a non-pseudo alternative that uses the true material in its manufacture directed toward ad/bsorption of the full target odor profile ( 19 ) while eliminating the associated risks and hazardous of handling and use.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Novel Method for Training the Interdiction of Restricted and Hazardous Biological Materials by Detection Dogs

et al. 2022

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The interdiction of restricted and hazardous biological agents presents challenges for any detection method due to the inherent complexity of sample type and accessibility. Detection capabilities for this category of agents are limited and restricted in their mobility, adaptability and efficiency. The potential for identifying biological agents through a volatile organic compound (VOC) signature presents an opportunity to use detection dogs in a real-time mobile capacity for surveillance and screening strategies. However, the safe handling and access to the materials needed for training detection dogs on restricted or hazardous biological agents prevents its broader application in this field. This study evaluated the use of a polymer-based training aid in a viral detection model using bovine viral diarrhea virus mimicking biosafety level 3+ agent conditions. After the biological agent-based odor was absorbed into the polymer, the aid was rendered safe for handling through a rigorous sterilization process. The viral culture-based training aid was then used to train a cohort of detection dogs (n = 6) to discriminate agent-based target odor in culture from relevant distractor odors including non-target biological agent-based odors. Following culture-based training, dogs were tested for generalization to aids with infected animal sample-based odors across five sample types (fecal, blood, nasal, saliva, and urine). Within the context of the polymer-based training aid system, dogs were successfully trained to detect and discriminate a representative biological viral agent-based odor from distractor odors with a 97.22% (±2.78) sensitivity and 97.11% (±1.94) specificity. Generalization from the agent-based odor to sample-based odors ranged from 65.40% (±8.98) to 91.90 % (±6.15) sensitivity and 88.61% (±1.46) to 96.00% (±0.89) specificity across the sample types. The restrictive nature for mimicking the access and handling of a BSL 3+ agent presented challenges that required a strict study design uncommon to standard detection dog training and odor presentation. This study demonstrates the need to further evaluate the utility and challenges of training detection dogs to alert to biological samples using safe and manageable training aids.

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“…The PDMS-base training aids ( Figure 5 ) are non-toxic, non-infectious, and can be impregnated with nearly any odor, making the potential for this training aid technology nearly limitless for BMDDs. Based on the published research demonstrating the steady odor release rates of explosive material over time and recent method development publication on the rate of odor capture for less volatile targets ( 98 ), it stands to reason that this technology should be investigated for PDMS applicability in the creation of biological training aids.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Use and Potential of Biomedical Detection Dogs During a Disease Outbreak

Maughan

Best

Gadberry³

et al. 2022

Front. Med.

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Biomedical detection dogs offer incredible advantages during disease outbreaks that are presently unmatched by current technologies, however, dogs still face hurdles of implementation due to lack of inter-governmental cooperation and acceptance by the public health community. Here, we refine the definition of a biomedical detection dog, discuss the potential applications, capabilities, and limitations of biomedical detection dogs in disease outbreak scenarios, and the safety measures that must be considered before and during deployment. Finally, we provide recommendations on how to address and overcome the barriers to acceptance of biomedical detection dogs through a dedicated research and development investment in olfactory sciences.

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Two-temperature preparation method for PDMS-based canine training aids for explosives

Cited by 13 publications

References 16 publications

Characterization of an odor permeable membrane device for the storage of explosives and use as canine training aids

Characterization of an odor permeable membrane device for the storage of explosives and use as canine training aids

A Novel Method for Training the Interdiction of Restricted and Hazardous Biological Materials by Detection Dogs

The Use and Potential of Biomedical Detection Dogs During a Disease Outbreak

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