SBIR Phase I: A Novel Array-Based Chemical Microsensor

该小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目描述了一种新型基于阵列的化学微传感器和用于监测地下氯化碳氢化合物的专用采样系统的开发。氯代烃是地下最常见的污染物，威胁着地下含水层的地下水质量。现有的监测这些污染物的技术需要昂贵的、劳动密集型的样品收集和分析方法。在提出的传感器中，阵列中单个元素的化学和电学特性将被控制，以便唯一的指纹将识别每种污染物。输出信号将被集成到一个基于软件的神经网络中，用于分析物的识别。该传感器的简单设计、成本、制造和操作要求将克服其他现有阵列传感器的局限性。发展一种低成本、可靠的抽样和监测系统将减少与抽样和污染物监测有关的费用，并可获得及时、连续的资料。此外，它将提供对污染物羽流迁移的自动化和无人值守监测的可能性，以及监测违反遏制操作的污染物。第一阶段将(I)演示传感器设计的可行性，（ii）开发手持原型，以及（iii）测试受污染的地下水。在第二阶段，将开发和演示一种现场可部署的原型仪器。研究的潜在商业应用：日益强调环境问题、减少废物和提高工业过程的效率，强调了开发用于现场或工厂内使用的新化学传感器的重要性。具体来说，需要传感器来衡量补救工作的有效性，实现废物最小化，并检测废水、饮用水和其他环境系统中有毒、危险或其他受管制化学品的存在。此外，该传感器将广泛应用于食品、饮料和香水行业，用于气味和香气的测定，以及临床（例如呼吸监测）和农艺行业（例如农药检测）。＊＊＊

*** 9761605 Martin This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project describes the development of a novel array-based chemical microsensor and a dedicated sampling system for the monitoring of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the subsurface. Chlorinated hydrocarbons represent the most prevalent contaminants in the subsurface, threatening the quality of groundwater at aquifers. Existing technology for monitoring these contaminants requires expensive, labor-intensive methods of sample collection and analysis. In the proposed sensor, the chemical and electrical properties of the individual elements of the array will be controlled so that a unique fingerprint will identify each pollutant. The output signals will be integrated into a software-based neural network for analyte identification. The simple design, cost, fabrication, and operation requirements of the proposed sensor will overcome the limitations of other existing array sensors. The development of a low-cost, reliable sampling and monitoring system would reduce the cost associated with sampling and contaminant monitoring, and allow timely continuous information. Also, it will provide the possibility for automated and unattended monitoring of the migration of contaminant plumes, as well as for monitoring contaminants that breach containment operations. Phase I will (i) demonstrate the feasibility of the sensor design, (ii) develop a hand held prototype, and (iii) test contaminated groundwater. During Phase II, a field deployable prototype instrument will be developed and demonstrated. Potential Commercial Applications of the Research: The increasing emphasis on environmental issues, waste reduction, and improved efficiency for industrial processes has underlined the importance of the development of new chemical sensors for field or in-plant use. Specifically, sensors are needed to gauge the effectiveness of remediation efforts, to effect waste minimization, and to detect the presence of toxic, hazardous, or otherwise regu lated chemicals in waste effluents, drinking water, and other environmental systems. In addition, this proposed sensor will find wide application in the food, drink and perfume industries for the determination of odors and aromas, as well as in the clinical (e.g., breath monitor) and agronomic industries (e.g., detection of pesticides). ***