Members: Ofir Malkiely, Shimon Sichel

Supervisor: Prof. Aharon J. Agranat, Yonatan Uziel.

Landmines pose a significant global threat, causing countless casualties and rendering large areas unusable. Traditional detection methods are not only risky to human and animal lives but also inefficient for large-scale mine mapping. Our project introduces a solution using genetically modified bacteria to address this problem. Bioreporter bacteria are genetically engineered to respond to the presence of a target material by detecting specific compounds associated with landmines. Their response is the emission of bioluminescent light. This light can be measured by a scientific camera with high sensitivity to low light levels, enabling precise detection of buried landmines. This project aims to define the limits of this method, using a camera to sample the light emitted from Bioreporters as they sense the presence of target material on the round. This is achieved by conducting laboratory experiments under varying conditions, where we alter the concentrations of the target material and the density of the bioreporter bacteria distributed on the ground, as well as the intensity of the ambient lighting. We investigate how these parameters influence the detection boundaries of mapping landmines. Additionally, this project includes characterizing and building a different experimental system that simulates images captured as if from a drone, photographing target material from ten meters above the ground within a constrained space. These samples are captured using a camera and multiple mirrors to extend the optical path. This will provide valuable insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of our method and help provide further optimization. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of using bioreporter bacteria for landmine mapping, paving the way for safer and more efficient detection. This approach helps to advance landmine detection technologies, providing a robust and practical solution for extended areas.