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Library > Fact Sheets > AFOSR: Biological Response Profiling and Assessment
AFOSR: BIOLOGICAL RESPONSE PROFILING AND ASSESSMENT
Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Mathematics, Information and Life Sciences Directorate
Biological Response Profiling and Assessment
Dr. Walter J. Kozumbo, Program Manager
The characterization, understanding and accurate prediction of biological responses elicited by various chemical and physical agents underscore much of the research supported by this program. The knowledge base that is generated as a product of this research will ultimately be used to (1) insure hazard-free development of advanced technologies, (2) help provide science-based standards for the safe operation of novel weapon systems and (3) enable the innovation of biotechnologies that enhance both the performance and protection of military personnel during deployment. The type of agent and the dose and duration of its biological interactions are paramount in determining whether a biological effect is negative (toxic/inhibitory), neutral (biocompatible/benign) or positive (beneficial/stimulatory) in nature. Basic research is supported that explores interactions of agents with biological systems at the cellular and molecular levels. Important areas include differentiating biological responses elicited by agents at high (test) and low (ambient) exposures, examining the fundamental nature of these dose-response relationships (linear, non-linear and threshold), and identifying early molecular triggering mechanisms involved in the responses. The use of transcriptomics, proteomics, and/or metabolomics to profile and assess the biomolecular responses of cells is encouraged. Interpreting the data for mechanistic understanding and distinguishing between adverse, benign and potentially beneficial effects is especially challenging. Studies are supported that effectively combine novel experimental approaches and computational techniques for the purpose of predicting toxicity or for developing biokinetic models of complex mixtures. Recent research, for example, has focused on elucidating the biodynamic mechanisms of jet fuel-induced toxicity as well as developing a biokinetic model of jet fuel exposure for use in health risk assessments. Because many novel chemicals, nanomaterials and modes of radiant energies (microwaves, radio frequency radiation and ultrashort laser pulses) are continually being developed for future use, improved (i.e., reliable, rapid and inexpensive) methods are needed for estimating health risks. Mechanistically based in vitro biomarkers combined with computational toxicology/chemistry represent research areas that may contribute to such methods advancements.
The current program also supports research seeking to explain how certain oxygenic phototrophs, such as microaglae and cyanobacteria, use light energy to generate molecular hydrogen from water. Knowledge of the physiological, biochemical and genetic factors involved in limiting this light-induced biohydrogen response will be used to bioengineer an organism whose generation of hydrogen will be both highly efficient and capable of exquisite control. Basic research in photosynthetic biochemistry and hydrogenase enzymology is viewed as essential to accomplishing these objectives and, eventually, to developing the biotechnological strategies needed for the renewable production of carbon dioxide-neutral hydrogen fuel from sunlight.
The following summarize the basic research interests of the Air Force in Biological Response Profiling and Assessment:
I. Biological Responses to Chemicals and Nanomaterials
- A. Cellular/molecular mechanisms and biomarkers of effect
- B. Low-dose, nonlinear biological response relationships
- C. Biomolecular response profiling
- D. Structure-activity relationships from a quantitative, computational and predictive perspective
- E. Modeling: biokinetics (physiologically based pharmacokinetics) of complex mixtures and biodynamic response modeling of chemicals and nanomaterials
II. Biological Responses to Non-Ionizing Radiation
- A. Acute and chronic low intensity interactions of sub-nanosecond laser pulses with ocular and dermal tissues
- B. Interactions of ultra-wide band and high-peak power radio frequency radiation and microwaves with cells/tissues
- C. Biomolecular response profiling
- D. Biophysical and mathematical modeling of radiation-induced responses
- E. Biomarkers of exposure and effect
- F. Photosystems, hydrogenases and water-based bio-solar hydrogen generation
Contact:
Dr. Walter J. Kozumbo
AFOSR/NL
Tele: (703) 696-7720
DSN: 426-7720
FAX: (703) 696-8449
Email: walter.kozumbo@afosr.af.mil
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