Abstract: The present invention relates to a collection device for a substance, and methods related to collecting thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collection device for a substance, and methods related to collecting thereof.

Abstract: Smart aerogel, an aerogel material doped with special bio-affinity compounds to providing means of unique collection, detection and identification of bioaerosols, including bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other bioaerosols. Aerogels, extremely low density and highly porous materials with a complex pore structure, are used as an intelligent detection material by incorporating specific bioaffinity pharmaceuticals directly into the matrix. The complex pore structure contains micropores, mesopores, and macropores in an open pore structure. The opening pore structure of the aerogel is used to create docking sites by linking high affinity pharmaceuticals that specifically bind only to certain bioaerosols. The high internal surface area of the aerogel and the extremely low density provides abundant receptor sites per unit mesopore for a high bioaerosol-receptor interaction, yet in a manner which will reduce possible damage and destruction to the bioaerosols captured.

Abstract: Atmospheric Samplers are disclosed using aerogel filter material. The samplers include one or more cascaded impact sample stations with discs of aerogel as the targets. Ambient air carrying particulate matter is introduced into the sampler and the particles are captured by the aerogel in its pore structure. In certain embodiments, the aerogel filter is next transported to a position where it is fragmented by a spray of water. The fragmented aerogel and the captured particles are transported in the fragmenting water from the sampler for analysis. In one embodiment, the sampler is segmented with alternate nozzle and filter segments for easy assembly, sampling and disassembly for analysis of the captured particles in aerogel filters positions below the nozzles.