Developing a personal device to measure exposure to airborne biological agents.
Official title: Advanced Personal Sampler to Assess Occupational Exposures to Bioaerosols
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-10979970 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device that can help people working in different environments measure and understand their exposure to tiny airborne germs, including viruses like coronaviruses, to keep them safer and healthier on the job.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $353,356 |
| NIH project number | 1R01OH012583-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979970 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include workers in environments with potential exposure to airborne biological agents, such as healthcare, agriculture, and laboratory settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in occupational settings or do not have potential exposure to bioaerosols may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating an advanced personal electrostatic bioaerosol sampler (PEBS) that can effectively measure exposure to airborne biological agents in various environments. The device will operate independently, using a high sample concentration rate to collect bioaerosols, which will then be analyzed for potential health risks. By integrating electronic components and testing against various microorganisms, including coronaviruses, the project aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of exposure assessments for individuals in occupational settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring of airborne biological exposures, enhancing occupational safety and health.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of personal exposure samplers is established, this specific approach with the PEBS is novel and aims to significantly improve existing technologies.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mainelis, Gediminas — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Mainelis, Gediminas
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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.