Developing technology to collect and analyze airborne viruses from breath samples
Official title: Microcyclone arrays for high resolution bioaerosol fractionation and viable virus collection
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10757044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new technology that helps collect and analyze tiny particles from breath to better understand how respiratory viruses, like the flu, spread, which could lead to better ways to study and prevent infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | December 22, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $234,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI166519-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10757044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are infected with respiratory viruses, particularly those with influenza.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have respiratory infections or are not exposed to airborne viruses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new technology using microscale cyclone arrays to efficiently collect and analyze bioaerosols, specifically targeting respiratory viruses like influenza. By isolating different sizes of aerosol particles from exhaled breath, researchers aim to better understand how these viruses spread and behave in the environment. The technology utilizes advanced 3D printing techniques to produce complex structures that enhance the collection process, allowing for more precise studies of viral infectivity. This innovative approach could lead to improved methods for studying respiratory infections and their transmission.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of respiratory viral infections, potentially improving public health responses.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using microscale cyclone technology is innovative, similar methods for studying airborne pathogens have shown promise in other research contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Devoe, Don L — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Devoe, Don L
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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.