Prototype Development of an Innovative Portable Air Sampler for Multiple PM2.5and Bioaerosol Applications

Exposure to air pollution may cause a wide range of human respiratory and other health disorders. Two most important metrics of the inhalable air pollutants are PM2.5, due to their ability to carry toxics to human respiratory system, and bioaerosols, due to their potential pathogenic airborne transmission. Reliable methods for fast and efficient characterization of the airborne pollutants are necessary to alleviate their health concerns. However, traditional methods and products have their inherent limitations to achieve the goal. With more stringent air quality standards being implemented in different countries, there will be greater needs and markets for new generation of PM and bioaerosol technologies that can overcome the barriers.The objective of the project is to develop a portable PM and bioaerosol sampling system with innovative designs for much enhanced collection efficiency of submicron bioaerosols, high preservation of biological viability and post-processing free for direct PM analysis. The future application of the system will enable the quantification of airborne viruses and bacteria in high time resolution to allow fast public response and reduce or eliminate the spread of serious diseases by airborne transmission such as SARS, H5N1 and other pathogens. The system will also be a highly competitive PM sampling product featured with low operational cost and treatment free collection method.