There is a compelling national need for a next generation BioWatch system of fully integrated and networked biosensors. Such a system will demand inexpensive and compact, yet robust and reliable front-end trigger sensors capable of performing the detect-to-warn mission. These trigger sensors must then be integrated with a practical sample collection method used to provide analyte for a final confimatory sensor capable of detailed speciation. The final confimatory detection stage is critical in order to ensure a broad spectrum of coverage with minimal false positives. One method for accomplishing this demanding identification goal is through multiplexing. In order to be practical, the total integrated sensor solution must be inexpensive enough for large-scale deployment, use only a modest amount of consumables, and operate with minimal human intervention. In this paper we describe specific optically-based approaches for the development of a high-performance, low-cost trigger sensor, as well as a broad spectrum bio-detection technology capable of accurate species identification. We specifically describe a novel bead-based bio-assay detection technology employing nanoparticles and molecular probes as the confirmatory sensor approach, meeting the demanding criteria described above. Full-text article is not available.