Capturing and concentrating breath aerosols using electric fields
Official title: Breath aerosol capture by electric field concentration
Funded at Vox Biomedical LLC · NIH-11007716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to collect tiny particles from your breath to help detect substances like THC and other harmful drugs or viruses, which could lead to better monitoring of health and substance use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vox Biomedical LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bedford, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $293,968 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DA060905-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who may be exposed to or use substances containing THC, as well as those concerned about the presence of harmful aerosols in their environment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use THC or are not exposed to aerosolized substances may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel method to capture and concentrate aerosols from exhaled breath by using electrostatic charging. The approach involves collecting these aerosols on very small areas to enhance the sensitivity of detecting trace amounts of substances like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) using advanced infrared spectroscopy. By concentrating the aerosols, the research aims to improve the detection capabilities for not only THC but also other dangerous drugs and viruses. This technology could lead to more effective monitoring of substance use and health conditions related to aerosol exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a highly sensitive method for detecting trace amounts of THC and other harmful substances in exhaled breath, potentially improving public health and safety.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific method of electrostatic aerosol capture is novel, previous research has shown success in using spectroscopy for detecting substances in breath, indicating potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Vox Biomedical LLC
Bedford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Linden, Kurt J — Vox Biomedical LLC
- Study coordinator: Linden, Kurt J
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.