Electrochemical Paper-Based Analytical Devices for Metal Determination

Project Summary The goal of this project is to develop a new sampling and analysis system combining two new technologiesA lightweight ultrasonic sampler will be paired with an electrochemical paper based analytical deviceePADfor measurement of metals in airborne particulate matterPMExposure to particulate matterPMair pollution ranks as theth leading risk factor for human morbidity and mortality worldwideoutpacing the health risks of all other environmental hazards combinedAlthough PM is a complex mixture of many potentially toxic compoundsthe transition and heavy metal content present in PM is thought to play a significant role in toxicityThe disease burden posed by PM is supported by strong epidemiologic links between population exposure and many forms of ill healthe gcardiovascular diseaserespiratory diseaseneurological disordersand cancerDespite these scientific linkslittle is known about individuali epersonalair pollution exposures because existing technologies for assessing personal PM exposure are expensiveburdensomeand complicatedFurthermorePM sample analysis techniquesespecially for transition and heavy metalsare prohibitively high$s sampleand require the use of a centralized laboratory and specialized staffAccess Sensor Technologies has a vision to change this sampling and measurement paradigm by providing low costhighperformance tools for quantifying personal exposure to PM toxicantswith an emphasis on metalsThe global market for air pollution monitoring exceeds $ Bwe seek to leverage this market with a disruptive technology than can revolutionize the state of the art in personal exposure monitoringDuring Phase Ithe basic analytic chemistry using electrochemical paper based analytic devicesePADsand sample processing componentry for measuring metals were developed and demonstratedDuring Phase IIwe will develop a product line that includes a wearablesilentlightweightcompactair samplera streamlined module for chemical analysisand the software interface necessary for mobile phone operation and communicationsthistotal analysis systemwill streamline the process of exposure and risk assessment while dramatically lowering costWe will validate this system through laboratory and field studies against gold standard methodsThe outcome of this project will be products designed to penetrate research and consulting markets in industrial hygiene and environmental monitoringwith a long term goal of offering a low cost consumer product For this Phase II projectwe willIntegrate AST s proprietary air sampling technology with a streamlined analytic kit for in field filter ex traction and metals analysisDevelop an inexpensive and disposable sensor for rapidsimultaneous quantification of multiple met als from a single air sampling filter andDemonstrate product viability through field testing with early stage commercial partnersIf successfulwe will also have product applications beyond particulate air pollutionas the sensor paradigm is amenable for watersoiland food analyses as wellThere is an urgent global need for simpler cheaper analysis of the world around us