Technology ID
TAB-2789
Computer Controlled Aerosol Generator with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Inhalation Testing Capabilities
E-Numbers
E-156-2013-0
Lead Inventor
McKinney, Walter (CDC)
Co-Inventors
Frazer, David (CDC)
Chen, Bean (CDC)
Applications
Therapeutics
Software / Apps
Research Materials
Occupational Safety and Health
Non-Medical Devices
Medical Devices
Diagnostics
Consumer Products
Therapeutic Areas
Ophthalmology
Oncology
Infectious Disease
Endocrinology
Dental
Cardiology
Development Stages
Pre-Clinical (in vitro)
Development Status
- In vitro data available
- In vivo data available (animal)
- In situ data available (on-site)
- Prototype
Research Products
Computational models/software
Lead IC
CDC
ICs
CDC
This invention pertains to a CDC developed sonic aerosol generator that provides a controllable, stable concentration of particulate aerosol over a long period of time for aerosol exposure studies. Specifically, in situ testing data indicate uniform aerosol stability can be maintainable for greater than 30 hours at concentrations of 15 mg/m3 or more. Additionally, the technology was specifically developed for, and validated in, animal studies assessing exposure to airborne multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). It has been suggested that workers may be at risk for exposure to nanosized particles during the manufacture, handling, and cleanup of engineered nanomaterials. Compared to other technologies, this CDC aerosol generator is particularly helpful when used for generating high testing concentrations of MWCNT aerosols that more accurately represent particulate levels that may be seen in a workplace environment.
Commercial Applications
- Studying the size and shape of the aerosolized particles produced from simple vibrations of bulk material
- Toxicological investigations and risk assessment of aerosol exposures, especially those related to nanoparticle manufacturing
- Any aerosolization application where the aggregating “bird's nest” tendencies of airborne multi-walled carbon nanotubes must be overcome
Competitive Advantages
- Fully automated system with integrated feedback control for optimized stability in testing
- Maintains concentration of aerosols for >30 hours at concentrations of 15 mg/cubic meter or more
- Capable of generating high concentrations of aerosols that more accurately represent the levels seen in a workplace environment
- System insures that each run produces a constant particle concentration, air flow, pressure, temperature and humidity within a testing chamber
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