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Multiplexed Personal Monitoring of Airborne Toxins

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 1R43ES014977-01
Agency Tracking Number: ES014977
Amount: $451,819.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: PHS2006-2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2006
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
PLATYPUS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC 5520 Nobel Drive, Suite 100
MADISON, WI 53711
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 BARBARA ISRAEL
 (608) 237-1270
 bisrael@platypustech.com
Business Contact
 SUSAN PSCHORR
Phone: (608) 237-1272
Email: spschorr@platypustech.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Quantitative monitoring of personal exposure to environmental toxins is currently limited by expense, inconvenience and lack of appropriate technology, yet such monitoring is needed for investigation of health effects caused by low dose, chronic exposure to compounds such as pesticides or industrial toxins. We have previously demonstrated that low concentrations of a semi-volatile organophosphate pesticide can be detected from a vapor phase by utilizing chemically functionalized, nanostructured surfaces and liquid crystals (Platypus( technology). What is needed, however, is a monitor that simultaneously measures exposure to multiple compounds. In this proposal, we will demonstrate the feasibility of developing Platypus( technology for the quantitative and simultaneous detection of two different classes of semi-volatile pesticides (carbamates and organophosphates) and for the discrimination of specific compounds within each class of pesticide. The technology developed in this project can be adapted for detection of other industrial or environmental contaminants that are semi-volatile, and thus it has the potential to serve as the basis for a broadly useful, convenient and inexpensive class of passive monitors for multi-compound personal exposure assessment and environmental monitoring. In this proposal, we are developing a small, inexpensive wearable device which will provide a measurement of an individual's exposure to multiple chemicals present in his or her environment over a period of a day to a few weeks. This data is essential for associating exposure to specific compounds with adverse affects on public health.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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