PADFEX

Non-invasive pathogen collection in low respiratory tract

The hallmark of the project is the collaborative effort of an interdisciplinary team comprising physicians, chemists, engineers and product design specialist to develop a non-invasive, safe and easy-to-use, easy-to-ship sampling device for collection of material (sputum) from the lower respiratory tract or aerosolized pathogens from forced exhalation / (dry) coughing from patients without any sputum expectoration. The major building parts of the device including a novel filter unit are developed to fit the specificities of the target biological material and pathogens as well maximal user acceptance. The design is tailored the use as self-sampling device as well as under field conditions worldwide.

Cooperation

IFG-KIT
Dr. Manuel Tsotsalas, Group leader SURCOFs and SURGELs,
group: Chemistry of oxydic and organic Interfaces

ITEM (Exposure Science)
Dr.-Ing. Katharina Schwarz, Abteilungsleiterin für Aerosoltechnologie und -biophysik

Büro Neuman

Funding

Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI)
German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)

Project Leaders

Prof. Dr. Gérard Krause, Head of Department for Epidemiology and Scientist
Dr. Stefanie Castell, Deputy Head of Department for Epidemiology and Scientist