System and Method for Direct Particle Sampling from Air

Opportunity

Available for Licensing
TRL: 5

IP Status

US Utility Patent: US 11248993 B2

Inventor

Su-Jung (Candace) Tsai

At A Glance

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a new system that directly measures airborne nanoparticles with enhanced sensitivity to a broad range of particle sizes. The nanoparticle measurement device directly measures airborne nanoparticles, improving on the current indirect methods in which particles are lost due to the necessity of multiple devices. Additionally, the device is smaller and easier to handle than current technologies. All of these improvements make this novel device a must-have for worker safety in this developing industry.

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Licensing Director

Steve Foster
Steve.Foster@colostate.edu
970-491-7100

Reference No.: 17-022

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Background

The nanotechnology industry is rapidly growing, expanding into markets that many people don’t realize. Nanomaterials are being utilized in sunscreen, clothing, biotech, and weapon production, to name a few. With the rapid expansion of this industry, medical concerns for employees must be quickly addressed. OSHA has stated that over-exposure to airborne nanoparticles can have detrimental effects, including tissue damage and cancer. To protect employees, devices have been produced to sample nanoparticles and identify potential risk areas. However, these devices are laborious, being large, inefficient, and slow. Novel particle detection tools are needed to address risks to employees in this rapidly emerging market.

 

Benefits and Advantages
  • Device directly measures airborne nanoparticles preventing harmful exposure for employees that produce nanomaterials
  • Current nanoparticle measuring devices are large, inefficient, and regularly miss detection of detrimental particles
  • The rapid growth of the nanotechnology industry requires careful protection of employees who risk exposure to harmful nanoparticles
Applications
  • All industries in which employees are exposed to hazardous airborne particulate matter (e.g., mining, welding, fire fighters, etc.)
  • Monitoring employee exposure to harmful respirable particles in real-time
  • Personal sampling device that can be worn by any person in which there is a high risk of exposure
Publications

Back, D. et al. (2020). Development of Interdigitated Capacitive Sensor for Real-time Monitoring of Sub-micron and Nanoscale Particulate Matters in Personal Sampling Device for Mining Environment. IEEE Sensors Journal. vol. 20, no. 19, pp. 11588-11597. doi: 10.1109/JSEN.2020.2995960.

Tsai, C., and Theisen, D. (2018). A sampler designed for nanoparticles and respirable particles with direct analysis feature. J Nanopart Res. 20:209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-018-4307-2 

Last updated: August 2021