Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Development of a Reliable, Low-Cost, and User-Friendly Spot Test Kit for Leaded Paint and Dust Based on Recent Advances in Bionanotechnology
EPA Contract Number: EPD06040Title: Development of a Reliable, Low-Cost, and User-Friendly Spot Test Kit for Leaded Paint and Dust Based on Recent Advances in Bionanotechnology
Investigators: Liu, Juewen
Small Business: DzymeTech, Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2006 through August 31, 2006 (Extended to September 30, 2006)
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2006) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , SBIR - Lead Paint Detection and Removal , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
Lead in household paint and dust is a serious health hazard, as low-level lead exposure can result in a number of adverse health effects, especially in children. On-site and real-time detection and quantification of lead in paint and dust is important to homeowners and certified lead-based paint removal professionals. Both field-portable equipment (such as X-ray fluorescence instruments and anodic stripping voltammetry) and colorimetric spot test kits (based on sulfide or rhodizonate ion) have been used to detect lead paint. Although portable instruments generally are reliable, their relatively high costs and use of sophisticated parts (such as the radioactive X-ray sources) make it difficult for homeowners and some professionals to use them routinely. Spot tests provide low-cost and user-friendly alternatives, but studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have demonstrated that these tests are not reliable enough.
This research project was based on patented and patent-pending technologies developed in Dr. Yi Lu’s group at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, who used recent advances in catalytic DNA and developed catalytic DNA- fluorescent lead sensors that are highly sensitive and selective. Using Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding from EPA, DzymeTech successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using catalytic DNA to detect lead in environmental samples, particularly in dust samples. DzymeTech is ready to build prototypes of the detection system that can be used in the field.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
DzymeTech successfully completed the EPA SBIR project and delivered a method for detecting lead in dust. During Phase I, the sensor characterization and optimization was completed, the sensor storage condition and formulation were optimized and tested, and field samples, including EPA water, tap water, and dust samples, were tested. Test results demonstrated that the sensor can be stored in a dried form and is stable for a long period of time, even under harsh conditions. The sensors also were characterized and optimized, both in the solution phase and in the dried form. Finally, lead dust extraction procedures were optimized, and lead detection in dust samples was performed. These results have proven the feasibility of using the catalytic DNA sensor for detecting lead in dust samples. The next step is to construct prototypes for the sensors, which will be started with the Phase II application.
Conclusions:
The EPA SBIR Phase I research results demonstrate that it is feasible to use the catalytic DNA-based technology to detect lead in dust samples. The sensors have sufficient sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and precision. DzymeTech will continue with construction of sensor prototypes and eventually commercialize the sensors for consumers and government inspectors.
Journal Articles on this Report : 4 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other project views: | All 4 publications | 4 publications in selected types | All 4 journal articles |
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Liu J, Lu Y. Design of asymmetric DNAzymes for dynamic control of nanoparticle aggregation states in response to chemical stimuli. Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry 2006;4(18):3435-3441. |
EPD06040 (Final) |
not available |
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Liu J, Lu Y. Fast colorimetric sensing of a denosine and cocaine based on a general sensor design involving aptamers and nanoparticles. Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2006;45(1):90-94. |
EPD06040 (Final) |
not available |
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Liu J, Lu Y. Preparation of aptamer-linked gold nanoparticle purple aggregates for colorimetric sensing of analytes. Nature Protocols 2006;1(1):246-252. |
EPD06040 (Final) |
not available |
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Liu J, Lu Y. Smart nanomaterials responsive to multiple chemical stimuli with controllable cooperativity. Advanced Materials 2006;18(13):1667-1671. |
EPD06040 (Final) |
not available |
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, spot test kit, lead, health hazards, lead-based paint, lead detection, lead removal, lead dust, children’s health, public health, EPA, dust, fluorescence, colorimetric, lead-based paint detection, lead dust detection, nanosensors,, Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Monitoring, Technology, human health, biotechnology, lead based paint detection, nanotechnology, nanosensorsSBIR Phase II:
Development of a Reliable, Low-Cost and User-Friendly Spot Test Kit for Leaded Paint and Dust Based on Recent Advances in Bionanotechnology | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.