RJ Lee Group, Inc. materials characterization laboratory and industrial forensics consulting firm joined forces with Colorado State University Associate Professor Dr. John Volckens, to help commercialize a prototype device for measuring nanoparticles in the air.
RJ Lee Group’s Senior Scientist and Vice President, Mr. Gary Cassucio, Mr. John Mastovich, Project Director, and Mr. Hank Lentz, Software Developer, worked with Dr. Volkens on the device, called the thermophorphic sampler (TPS). The TPS is a personal monitor worn in an individual’s breathing zone to capture nanoparticles so they can be analyzed to determine exposure levels. Applications include the measurement of man-made nanoparticles such as welding fumes and diesel emissions as well as engineered nanoparticles, used in products such as surface coatings and hardening agents. The TPS draws air in using a force called thermophoresis, collecting particles that can then be analyzed to determine their size, shape, and chemical structure. These attributes are used to identify the sample source and to estimate exposure levels for workers and others who may be exposed.
RJ Lee Group’s nanoparticle research and experience with product development identified the company an ideal partner to assist in the TPS product and its commercialization. To help fund the development of the prototype, RJ Lee Group received a commercialization grant from the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center. Now that the prototype is finalized, RJ Lee Group and Colorado State University plan to begin testing the device in the field in order to market once these trials are successfully completed.
In the featured video, Professor Volckens, whose expertise is in aerosols and environmental health, presents a brief history of the development and use of the TPS and plans for commercialization.
About RJ Lee Group
RJ Lee Group is an industrial forensics laboratory that is recognized as a leader in providing innovative solutions to challenges in materials characterization, forensic engineering, and information management. For 30 years, we have been using our scientific expertise, instrumentation and technology to offer support strategies and provide solutions to our customers. RJ Lee Group is a 300-person company with headquarters located in Monroeville, PA. For more information visit our website at www.rjlg.com.