A new device to measure exposure to airborne biological agents
Official title: A novel passive sampler to assess personal exposures to airborne biological agents
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10914631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy-to-wear device that can track your exposure to airborne germs without needing batteries, helping us learn more about how these germs spread, especially in workplaces.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,145 |
| NIH project number | 5R21OH012568-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals working in environments where exposure to airborne biological agents is a concern.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not work in such environments or have no risk of exposure to airborne biological agents may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a lightweight and unobtrusive personal sampler that can monitor exposure to airborne biological agents without the need for a power source. The device, known as the Personal Rutgers Electrostatic Passive Sampler (P-REPS), utilizes innovative materials and design to capture bioaerosol particles effectively. By creating an electrostatic field, the sampler can operate for extended periods, providing valuable data on personal exposure levels in various environments. This could lead to a better understanding of how these agents are transmitted, particularly in occupational settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide individuals with a reliable way to monitor their exposure to harmful airborne biological agents, potentially improving health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using passive sampling devices is established, the specific design and methodology of the P-REPS device represent a novel advancement in this field.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mainelis, Gediminas — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Mainelis, Gediminas
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.