Aerosol sampling and particle sorting are two key components in biological agent detection. Sarnoff offers a unique approach — electrostatically charging and manipulating particles to produce a highly efficient, more concentrated, enriched sample. We hold a number of key patents in this area, making Sarnoff a partner of choice — our technologies are ideal for integration into a total biological agent detection solution.

Sarnoff’s capabilities can be divided into two areas: sampling and sorting. Using aerosol-to-hydrosol concentration, Sarnoff is able to collect air samples and directly concentrate them into liquid for subsequent analysis. Our low cost method of collecting aerosol samples utilizes a small, portable sampler with extremely low power consumption. Alternatively, Sarnoff’s particle sorter provides high volume collection, individual particle interrogation and electrostatic deposition to produce enriched samples containing chiefly particles of interest. This cleaner sample is compatible with multiple detection techniques and can be used for liquid assay or dry spectrographic analysis — resulting in higher sensitivity, lower false alarms, and lower false negatives.

Sarnoff’s aerosol sampling capabilities provides a versatile technology with applications in many markets. As a vital part of biological threat detection, sampling is essential to military, government and homeland security agencies to mitigate against Anthrax, smallpox and other forms of biological terrorism. In the commercial market, biological agent detection lends itself to the recognition of transmitted diseases, such as TB, SARS and avian flu, to better protect public health and safety. Other applications include individual wellness — with capabilities for detecting spores, pollen and other allergens. As part of a total detection solution, Sarnoff contributes to the protection of a broad range of facilities — from transportation centers and entertainment venues to office buildings, warehouses and the home.