CD-ROM based optical biosensors

A system for detecting a targeted biological sample in air, the system comprising:

• a.) a CD-ROM coated with a receptor medium such that the receptor medium binds with the targeted biological sample;
• b.) a CD-ROM drive configured to continuously read the CD-ROM, the CD-ROM drive including:
• i.) an air flow path configured to continuously sample the air and channel the air over and around the CD-ROM;
• ii) a reader configured to read a plurality of data blocks of the CD-ROM, and further configured to detect the targeted biological sample when the targeted biological sample binds with the receptor medium, wherein the targeted biological sample obstructs the reader from the plurality of data blocks;
• and
• iii) a processor configured to receive a recognizable signal from the reader, and
• c.) an output device coupled to the CD-ROM device and configured to receive an output signal from the processor.

A method of sensing a targeted biological sample, the method comprising:

• a.) applying a receptor medium to a CD-ROM;
• b.) continuously reading the CD-ROM with a CD-ROM drive;
• c.) directing an air flow through the CD-ROM drive;
• d.) reading a biological signal produced by binding of any of the targeted biological samples present in the air with the receptor medium, thus creating a biological signal;
• e.) converting the biological signal to a recognizable signal;
• f.) processing the recognizable signal;
• and
• g.) sending an output signal corresponding to the recognizable signal.