I-Corps: Venturi Vacuum Device for Biological and Particulate Sample Collection

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The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is to improve the capabilities of sample collection in industries where this step is critical to high quality results. Currently, poor recovery efficiencies, inability to collect from diverse environments, and no standardization affects this activity. The proposed technology will improve sample collection systems for better ease of sampling, an improved range of samples that can be collected, and the quality of evidence collected for the forensic science industry, expected to be a ~$40 B industry by 2025. The solution would lead to less failed testing, improved utilization of time and resources, and improved case-solving opportunities. This I-Corps project will explore a venturi-based technology to generate a vacuum. Through a modular design, many front-end applicators can be equipped to allow one handheld device to collect a number of samples. The device is lightweight, portable, field deployable and requires no electricity. It uses a compressed air tank to power the venturi pump. This device can collect trace amounts of “touch-DNA” evidence, particulates from solid and porous surfaces, and pathogens associated with agricultural disease in infected trees. This technology will allow experts to collect more efficiently samples and enable new sample collection and testing.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.