Rapid Concentration of Particles in Large Volumes of Fluid

Physical Sciences Inc. proposes an innovative approach to rapidly concentrate (1000:1) bacterial spores from large volumes of water for identification. The problem we address is the limitation of modern biological pathogen detection capability, a solution to which is contaminant concentration to a level at which these can respond. Our approach is based on the separation and collection of suspended pathogen particles using acoustic energy, or acoustophoresis. The results and models of the Phase I work are extended to improve the design to meet or exceed the stated concentration goals. The primary advantages of our approach are its fast, efficient operation, the lack of membranes to clog or dry out, and that it operates electronically and therefore has a semi-infinite shelf life. The objectives of the Phase II program are to: 1) Build an acoustophoretic concentrator that demonstrates a 1000:1 concentration of Bacillus Subtilis (concentration >=3 spores/liter) in 30 minutes or less from 1000 liters of potable water. 2) Determine the feasibility of integrating inline monitoring, such as the use of ATR-FTIR, with this concentrator approach. 3) Evaluate the feasibility of electrophoresis as a tool to enhance particle concentration in the acoustophoretic concentrator.