Project 3
Development and Implementation of Immunoassays for Human and Environmental Monitoring.

Shirley J. Gee, Project Leader
Bruce D. Hammock, Senior Investigator
James R. Sanborn, Senior Investigator
 
Specific Aims

The overall objective of this proposal is the development, validation and implementation of rapid immunochemical-based methods for the analysis of hazardous materials and their breakdown products as biomarkers of human exposure. To understand the impact of chemical exposures on human populations, environmental levels as well as the internal doses of the chemicals must be quantified. Studies that link exposure to effect require analysis of large numbers of samples in a variety of matrices (i.e. soil, sediment, water, air, urine, blood). Immunoassays have a demonstrated reputation in the clinical arena for their sensitivity, speed, and cost effectiveness. These advantages make them ideal for measuring urinary metabolites as biomarkers of exposure. In addition, the technique has been applied to environmental analysis.

I. Develop single and multianalyte immunoassays as biomarkers of exposure to hazardous chemicals.

II. Develop immunoassays for rapid laboratory and field analysis of hazardous substances.

III. Use the above assays to develop new technologies for use in the environmental field.

IV. Validate and implement immunoassays for environmental and human monitoring.