Detecting harmful chemicals in drinking water using a test strip
Official title: One-step, in-the-field detection of water contamination by unhealthy concentrations of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals affecting Nuclear Receptors arrayed on a test strip
Funded at Xcellassay, INC. · NIH-11006684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a handy test strip that lets people quickly check their drinking water for harmful chemicals that can affect health, so communities can easily make sure their water is safe to drink.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Xcellassay, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $306,872 |
| NIH project number | 1R43ES036903-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas with known water quality issues or those concerned about chemical contaminants in their drinking water.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not rely on drinking water from potentially contaminated sources may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a portable test strip that can quickly identify harmful endocrine disrupting chemicals in drinking water. By utilizing advanced bioassay technology, the test strip will allow for immediate field testing, eliminating the need to send samples to distant laboratories. Patients and communities can use this tool to ensure their drinking water is safe from contaminants that could affect health. The approach focuses on detecting a wide range of chemical pollutants that are currently difficult to monitor.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a rapid and accessible method for communities to monitor their drinking water quality, potentially reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches using bioassay technology for environmental monitoring have shown promise, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Xcellassay, INC.
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaufele, Fred J — Xcellassay, INC.
- Study coordinator: Schaufele, Fred J
Related research
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A new method to test water for harmful chemical contaminants
This study is working on a new way to test our water for harmful chemicals, so that everyone can enjoy cleaner and safer drinking 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.