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PNNL scientist Wassana Yantasee
demonstrates the compact and field-portable biomonitoring device
(foreground), which produces rapid, accurate results equivalent to
state-of-the-art mass spectrometry systems (back) from small fluid
samples. |
A bit larger than a lunchbox, the new
detection system is field-deployable with plug-and-play features that
allow different sensors to be easily exchanged to detect a variety of
heavy metal toxins. The entire system is battery-operated and requires
about one and one-half times the power of a typical laptop computer.
The system also routinely delivers reliable measurements within a
rapid two-to-five minute analysis period.
Early production cost estimates indicate that the device may be as
much as 10 times less expensive than existing plasma mass spectrometry
systems, which lack field portability and require samples to be
returned to the lab for time-consuming and more expensive analysis.
Accumulation of lead in children can harm the developing brain,
causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities and behavioral problems,
among other things. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
report that about 310,000 U.S. children ages 1 to 5 have high levels
of lead in their blood. Recent studies also indicate a link between
lead exposure and a decline in mental ability many years later.
Recent attention to children's exposure to lead from toys and products
from the Far East has heightened the interest in toxic exposures to
heavy metals. The ability to quickly and accurately identify children
with elevated blood lead levels is important in providing treatment to
those who need it. In addition, large numbers of industrial workers
may be routinely exposed to toxic heavy metals like cadmium, lead and
mercury, which are known to induce various diseases.
"We need next-generation analyzers to reduce the time and lower the
costs of analysis for clinical diagnosis," said PNNL scientist and
principal investigator Wassana Yantasee. "They will help us better
understand the relationship between the exposure to these toxins and
how the body responds, which will help in developing new strategies to
reduce exposures and risks."
"Our research has focused on optimizing the sensor systems to work
with the biological complexities in blood, urine and saliva samples,"
said Yantasee. "Validation of these sensor platforms for use in
biomonitoring is particularly important in developing a personalized
exposure assessment strategy."
The device can use two classes of sensors for detecting lead and other
heavy metals. The first is based on a flow injection system using a
mercury-film electrode to analyze metals in blood, urine or saliva
samples.
To eliminate the use of toxic mercury in conducting the analysis, the
second class of the sensor uses a mercury-free approach of
nanostructure materials developed at PNNL. This involves use of either
Self-Assembled Monolayers on Mesoporous Supports - SAMMS� technology -
or functionalized magnetic nanoparticles that provide excellent
detection sensitivity at a parts-per-billion level.
PNNL's research is supported by extramural grants from the CDC's
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, and the National
Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences.
Battelle, which operates PNNL for DOE, filed a patent application in
December 2007 for the improved sensor technology used in this
next-generation biomonitoring device. Battelle is seeking
commercialization partners and welcomes companies interested in the
technology to contact Commercialization Manager Bruce Harrer or access
Portable Electrochemical Sensing System for more information.
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