The Xindi-Reptilian biorifle
Biological component of a biorifle
The Xindi-Reptilian biorifle weapon was an example of biotechnology, a rifle-type energy weapon. The power cell a lifeform resembled an eel. Its neural pathways modulated the rifle's power output; Doctor Phlox considered it the most sophisticated example of biomechanical engineering he had ever seen. If the organism was removed from the weapon, a new one grew almost immediately to replace it, making it very difficult to disarm such a weapon. The organism could be killed with a sustained burst of delta radiation. Omicron radiation, however, caused the organism to thrive. (ENT: "The Shipment")
This form of rifle was designed by junior illustrator Berndt Heidemann. ("Countdown" text commentary, ENT Season 3 DVD) He stated of the weapon, "They [the producers] said it's gotta be something alien–we don't want your typical handle/clip/trigger. And they wanted a rifle with something organic with it–they wanted to add that part of the Xindi, as if they utilized some organics in their technology. It has the flip-top, the whole front comes off, the front slides forward–this was definitely more than your usual gun. And Brannon [Braga] really liked H.R. Giger's art, and he wanted some Giger-esque things on it." (Star Trek: Communicator issue 149, p. 54)