Restricted Research - Award List, Note/Discussion Page
Fiscal Year: 2023
142 University of North Texas (142030)
Principal Investigator: Verbeck IV,Guido Fridolin
Total Amount of Contract, Award, or Gift (Annual before 2011): $ 145,064
Exceeds $250,000 (Is it flagged?): No
Start and End Dates: 11/4/22 - 4/30/23
Restricted Research: YES
Academic Discipline: Chemistry
Department, Center, School, or Institute: College of Science
Title of Contract, Award, or Gift: Development of VOC Capture Device for Identification of Tuberculosis and Malaria Markers
Name of Granting or Contracting Agency/Entity:
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
CFDA:
Program Title: none
Note:
• Specific Aim 1: The initial task of this specific aim will be designing the proposed breathalyzer inlet. This will incorporate a sampling chamber containing a pre-concentrator device using carbon molecular sieves coated mesh, specifically Carboxen, CarboPak X, and Tenex (VOC capture). This will be coupled to a Membrane inlet made of PDMS (Aromatic Compounds). This breath capture device will then be tested on a commercially available Mass Spectrometer, and tested against the list of common VOCs identified in the literature for capture efficiency. 3 month timeline • Specific Aim 2: In this aim, we will be characterizing the run parameters and sample preparation for extracting VOCs excreted from Sebaceous Oils and Ear Wax (combination of sebaceous and ceruminous excretory glands). In this we will enact an IRB to sample earwax and other sebaceous excretory material and sample on the paper-spray mass spectrometry platform with both cellulose and microporous polyolefin-silica paper. Here we will assess the potential for VOC markers that are excreted through the sebaceous and ceruminous glands (ear wax and oils). This can also identify hormones, cholesterols, and other lipid soluble markers, so a higher mass range will be utilized over that of the breath test. Identified excretory chemistry will be added to a database. 4 month timeline, will overlap with AIM1 • Specific Aim 3: Once the portable breathalyzer inlet is completed and coupled to a mass spectrometer it will be utilized to determine significant VOCs associated with TB and Malaria from a library of previously detected VOCs. This will consist of analyzing each constituent and the effectiveness of the sorbent material to capture. During this aim, we will also calculate Limits-of-Detection (LODs) for each tested VOC. 4 month timeline, may overlap with both AIMs 1 & 2 • These aims are contingent on each other, and act as a “go/no-go” mechanism to the next aim. • Designing a non-invasive screening tool which is mobile or portable and does not necessarily require a laboratory, but offers diagnostic results creates a modality with global impact for equitable healthcare. Being able to test for ‘global diseases’ that are generally not seen in North America and other rich countries should not preclude the development of these technologies. • This effort and being able to determine efficacy before engaging in human trial is important. The impact and feasibility will be seen only in the ongoing studies and clinical trials.
Discussion: No discussion notes