Related Experiment Videos
The nasal air sampler: a device for sampling inhaled aeroallergens
J A Graham1, P K Pavlicek, J K Sercombe
1Institute of Respiratory Medicine, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Summary
A novel personal aerosol sampling device, worn in the nostrils, effectively collects aeroallergens from respiration. This innovation aids in diagnosing allergies and studying air quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Biomedical Engineering
- Allergy Diagnostics
Background:
- Individual exposure to aeroallergens is crucial for allergy diagnosis.
- Existing methods for monitoring inhaled allergens can be cumbersome.
- A need exists for a personal, unobtrusive method to sample airborne allergens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, develop, and test a personal aerosol sampling device.
- To create a novel measure of individual exposure to aeroallergens.
- To integrate the device into an allergen diagnostic system.
Main Methods:
- The device uses impaction samplers worn inside the nostrils, powered by natural respiration.
- Samplers feature slot impactors with detachable plates coated with adhesive or membranes.
- Performance was validated through aerodynamic resistance and collection efficiency tests, followed by human field trials.
Main Results:
- The sampler effectively collects inhalable particles (≥5 micrometers), including most relevant bioaerosols.
- Prototypes were manufactured using CNC milling and stereolithography, with batches molded in biocompatible materials.
- Field trials confirmed comfortable wear for up to 4 hours, sufficient for representative sampling.
Conclusions:
- The developed device successfully collects aeroallergens directly from a patient's respiration.
- It serves as a key component for an allergen diagnostic system.
- The technology is adaptable for broader air quality studies and prophylactic applications.