A new method for quickly detecting harmful chemicals in water.
Official title: Fluorescence-solid phase Extraction (F-SPE) Microfluidic Platform for Rapid, Onsite Detection and Identification of PFAS with Machine Learning
Funded at Espira, INC. · NIH-11186390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use tool that helps quickly find harmful chemicals called PFAS in water, making it affordable and accessible for communities dealing with water contamination.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Espira, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,020,000 |
| NIH project number | 2R44ES035349-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11186390 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas with known PFAS contamination in their water supply.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in areas affected by PFAS contamination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a microfluidic platform that uses fluorescence-solid phase extraction to rapidly detect and identify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. By utilizing machine learning, the platform aims to provide a low-cost and efficient solution for onsite testing, making it accessible for communities affected by PFAS contamination. The goal is to simplify the detection process, which is currently limited by expensive and time-consuming laboratory methods, thereby enabling quicker responses to water safety concerns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more affordable detection of PFAS in drinking water, improving public health and safety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using fluorescence-based detection methods for environmental pollutants, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Espira, INC.
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Dhruv — Espira, INC.
- Study coordinator: Patel, Dhruv
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Fluorescence-based microfluidic test for fast, on-site PFAS detection with smart software
A new on-site test uses a fluorescence microfluidic chip and machine learning to quickly identify PFAS chemicals in water.
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.