SBIR Phase II: Toxic Mold Sniffer

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a small, battery-powered sensor for the detection of toxic chemicals produced by molds responsible for "sick building syndrome," and for the detection of such toxic molds in infested buildings. The company's MEMS chemicapacitor technology utilizes an array of surface-micromachined capacitors coated with chemo-selective materials. The proposed device will detect toxic compounds produced by indoor molds, as well as associated volatile organic compounds. The detection and isolation of suspect molds is a major indoor environmental concern. The sensor technology proposed for use in the company's sensor system can be packaged for single-use home detection kits, or can be incorporated into reusable detection units for surveillance by commercial interests.