Technology ID
TAB-2711
Personal Air Sampler for Collecting Airborne Aerosol Particulates for Molecular Analysis by Size
E-Numbers
E-244-2013-0
Lead Inventor
Chen, Teh-Hsun (CDC)
Co-Inventors
Keswani, Jyoti (CDC)
Edgell, Herbert (CDC)
Applications
Vaccines
Therapeutics
Occupational Safety and Health
Non-Medical Devices
Medical Devices
Diagnostics
Consumer Products
Therapeutic Areas
Infectious Disease
Development Stages
Prototype
Development Status
- In situ data available (on-site)
- Prototype
Research Products
Research Equipment
Lead IC
CDC
ICs
CDC
This invention consists of a sampling apparatus that utilizes one or more cyclone separators to collect airborne particles from the atmosphere. The apparatus not only separates out aerosols from the atmosphere, but also serves as a collection tube for aerosol particles. Through its unique design, this CDC-developed apparatus is able to use the centrifugal force of the air flow on aerosolized particles forcing them to separate by size. Since the sample is collected directly in a microcentrifuge tube, in situ analysis of the ambient particulates can be performed. Analysis may include, but is not limited to, PCR, immunoassay analysis, microscopic spore counting, and counting colony-forming units. The device should also have many additional uses for environmental surveillance and occupational health applications.
Commercial Applications
- Analysis of ambient air particulates
- Environmental surveillance
- Occupational safety monitoring
- Biodefense
- Long-term exposure assessment
Competitive Advantages
- Rapid, on-site sampling and analysis.
- Alternative to surface-sampling and culturing for aerosolized biological agents.
- Superior extraction efficiency compared to filters, impingers, and impactors.
- Real-world testing demonstrated device's ability to collect airborne mold and mycotoxins, pollen and pollen fragments, airborne dust particulates, as well as airborne influenza virus in a hospital environment.
Licensing Contact: