2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) NSC and ISL will work together to define and execute specific research and development of sensing technologies for detection of bacterial and bioagent contamination on food surfaces. This venture will focus on technologies, concepts, and products related to NSC's mission and fields of expertise, NSC's partners, and ISL research programs. Specifically, NSC and ISL will build, test, and refine portable fluorescence imaging technologies, based on the multispectral laser-induced fluorescence imaging and multispectral imaging systems developed by ISL. The goal is to make the imaging devices portable and commercially available for in situ detection of contaminated foods. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Evaluate fluorescence data and determine fluorescent label/tag that works best with fluorescence imaging technology for scanning the surfaces of foods for the presence of pathogens. Conduct studies for inducing and detecting a fluorescence signal of the chosen fluorescent dye from the surface of the labeled food item. Conduct studies to increase the sensitivity of the imaging technology. Provide feedback to each other for research leading to assay modifications and optimization studies. Develop a portable fluorescence imaging system/device that can be used for in situ inspection of foods. 3.Progress Report This report documents research conducted under a Reimbursable Agreement between ARS and the Natick Soldier Center, DoD. Additional results of the research can be found in the report for the parent project 1265-42000-013-00D "Development of New and Improved Systems to Enhance Food Safety Inspection and Sanitation of Food Processing." FSL coordinated collaborative research with scientists form Natick Soldier Center. Improved versions of the portable imaging devices were designed and built by the FSL scientists, and two units were provided to the Natick Soldier Center. An FSL scientist visited Natick, Massachusetts, to evaluate the new portable imaging devices for nanoparticle/bio-conjugate based detection of specific pathogens on food surfaces. Additional experiments and further evaluation of samples with nanoparticle/bio-conjugate based detection will be conducted with the FSL transportable hyperspectral imaging system to determine optimal detection waveband(s). The results will be implemented to enhance the sensitivity of the portable imaging devices. Monitoring activities included meetings and site visits with the Natick Soldier Center at Natick, Massachusetts, and several conference calls.