Low SWaP wearable detector for phosgene safety
Official title: Low SWaP Phosgene Clip Detector
Funded at Intelligent Optical Systems, INC. · NIH-11253861 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A wearable, low size-and-power detector will continuously monitor for phosgene to protect workers in chemical industries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Intelligent Optical Systems, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gardena, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $520,010 |
| NIH project number | 2R44OH012575-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11253861 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable here since this is a device for workers in high-risk industries rather than a patient population.
✕Less likely to help
N/A for patient-focused benefit since the grant targets workplace safety technology rather than a medical treatment.
What this research studies
This grant aims to create a compact, lightweight sensor that can be worn by workers to detect phosgene at very low levels and warn them instantly through sound, light, or vibration. It builds on Phase I results that reached 0.1 ppm detection and 16 days of operation, and Phase II plans to push detection to 0.02 ppm and produce a wearable prototype. The device will be fully characterized, tested in controlled settings, and validated in simulated manufacturing environments to ensure reliability and real-time alerts. The goal is to reduce exposure risk and prevent harm by enabling immediate protective actions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, workers will have reliable, real-time phosgene detection and alerts, reducing exposure and preventing injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Prior colorimetric badges exist but have limited detection and lifetime; the proposed wearable aims for substantially better performance.
Where this research is happening
-
Intelligent Optical Systems, INC.
Gardena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Lihua — Intelligent Optical Systems, INC.
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Lihua
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.