Developing a new device for better respiratory protection against airborne pathogens
Official title: A micronized electrostatic precipitator for next-generation respiratory protection against pathogenic aerosols
Funded at Henley Ion, LLC · NIH-10909139 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of device that helps keep healthcare workers safe from germs in the air, like the ones that cause COVID-19 and tuberculosis, by making it easier to breathe while providing better protection than regular masks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henley Ion, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mandeville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $832,868 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI174405-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909139 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthcare workers who are frequently exposed to airborne pathogens in their work environment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in healthcare professions or who do not work in environments with high exposure to airborne pathogens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a micronized electrostatic precipitator designed to enhance respiratory protection for healthcare workers against airborne pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The device aims to improve upon existing masks and respirators by providing a more effective barrier while reducing breathing resistance. By utilizing advanced technology, the research seeks to not only filter out harmful aerosols but also inactivate pathogens, addressing the limitations of current protective equipment. This innovative approach could lead to safer working conditions for healthcare professionals during pandemics and other health crises.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the safety and comfort of healthcare workers by providing more effective respiratory protection against airborne diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in respiratory protection technologies, this specific approach using a micronized electrostatic precipitator is novel and has not been widely tested in the context described.
Where this research is happening
-
Henley Ion, LLC
Mandeville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henley, Julian — Henley Ion, LLC
- Study coordinator: Henley, Julian
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.