Developing a new method for sampling carbon nanotubes in the air
Official title: Fiber sampling technique and counting protocol development for carbon nanotubes
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10914635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a better way to collect tiny fibers called carbon nanotubes from the air, which might be harmful to health, similar to asbestos, so we can understand their risks more clearly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $181,583 |
| NIH project number | 5R21OH012397-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals working in industries where exposure to carbon nanotubes is possible, such as manufacturing or construction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to carbon nanotubes or who do not work in related industries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating an improved technique for sampling airborne carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which are tiny fibers that may pose health risks similar to asbestos. The team will investigate the surface properties of various CNTs and sampling filters to enhance efficiency. They will also develop a novel image analysis protocol and utilize a new nanoparticle isokinetic diffusion sampler to better understand how these particles behave in the air. The ultimate goal is to produce a reliable method for accurately sampling CNTs to assess potential health risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective monitoring of carbon nanotube exposure, potentially reducing health risks associated with these materials.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on asbestos sampling methods, this approach to carbon nanotubes is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsai, Candace Sujung — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Tsai, Candace Sujung
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how genetic changes in blood cells relate to heart disease in people with HIV
A study will look at how age-related blood cell mutations and large chromosomal changes might contribute to heart disease risk in people living with HIV.
-
Systems genetics of vascular smooth muscle phenotypes in heart disease
Aims to understand how genetic differences influence vascular smooth muscle cells to improve prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease.
-
Motivation for Alcohol Use in Humans and How It Can Be Measured
This grant explores how people are motivated to drink alcohol and tests a safe, controlled way to study that motivation to inform better treatments for alcohol use disorder.
-
Overcoming CAR T cell resistance with tumor-targeted IL-12 to boost anti-tumor immunity
Aims to make CAR T cell therapy work better for solid tumors by using tumor-focused IL-12 to boost the body’s attack on cancer.
-
PediCODE: A Biorepository and Consortium for CoDE - Congenital Diarrhea and Enteropathy
A nationwide effort to collect clinical data and patient-derived samples to uncover the genetic causes of congenital diarrhea and enteropathy and to build a resource that helps researchers study these diseases.
-
Mentor Moms+: a community-led plan to cut alcohol use and HIV risk during pregnancy in South Africa
A community-based program adapts a trusted peer-led model to help pregnant and lactating people reduce alcohol use and HIV risk in South Africa.
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.