Using sound waves to separate tiny plastic particles from samples
Official title: Standing Wave Acoustics for Nanoplastics Separations (SWANS)
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11037372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to quickly and easily separate tiny plastic particles from things like bottled water and animal tissues, which can help us better understand their impact on health and the environment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | March 18, 2025 |
| Project end | March 17, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $390,724 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES037164-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037372 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals exposed to environments where nanoplastics may be present, such as those consuming bottled water or living near polluted water sources.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to nanoplastics or do not have health concerns related to plastic pollution may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method to quickly and efficiently isolate nanoplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 1000 nm in size—from various samples like bottled water and animal tissue. The approach utilizes bulk mode acoustic standing waves to enhance the separation process, making it faster and more cost-effective compared to current methods. By creating a prototype device, the researchers aim to demonstrate how this technology can improve the analysis of nanoplastics, which are a significant concern for both health and the environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective monitoring and analysis of nanoplastics, ultimately improving public health and environmental safety.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using acoustic waves for separation is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in other fields, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Graves, Steven W — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Graves, Steven W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving how we predict electronic behavior in DNA for smarter therapies
A research project at the University of New Mexico uses AI, quantum chemistry, and simulations to better predict how DNA and related molecules behave, which could speed up designing safer, more effective therapies.
-
From fleeting states to therapeutics: understanding RNA targets to aid drug discovery
A grants project at UNM aims to understand how RNA structures in HIV-1 TAR influence binding with potential peptide drugs, using single-molecule methods and computer models.
-
Improve and test a veteran-focused alcohol help app
A project will upgrade and test an existing mobile program to help military veterans reduce risky drinking without requiring complete abstinence.
-
Which alcohol use disorder treatment will work best for you
This project uses data from past clinical trials and machine learning to predict how well different treatments for alcohol use disorder might work for individual patients.
-
Understanding how gut immunity defends against Toxoplasma
This project explores how the immune system in the intestinal lining fights a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, focusing on the MyD88 signaling pathways that help start and shape protection.
-
Understanding what drives alcohol use disorder and building a patient-friendly test
A researcher at a major university is studying the underlying mechanisms of alcohol use disorder to create a practical test that could guide personalized treatments.
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.