Scalable and Real-Time Systems Detect Dangerous Microbes in Homes and Hospitals
Outcome/Accomplishment
Researchers are developing systems of sensors and lab tools to track air and surface conditions at homes and hospitals, targeting microbes dangerous to human health in research supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Precision Microbiome Engineering (NSF PreMiEr) an Engineering Research Center (ERC) based at Duke University.
Impact/Benefits
By combining cutting-edge genomic methods with chemical and environmental sensors, the scalable systems allow us to move beyond simple notions of “clean” versus “dirty” and toward a more precise understanding of indoor microbial health.
Explanation/Background
With detection in real-time, the systems not only enable intervention when dangerous microbes are present but can lead to forecasting the conditions that promote the growth of pathogens. More than 50 sites are testing the systems, generating data from personal microbiomes, environmental samples, and building-level measurements. The goal is to identify microbial and chemical signatures linked to health risks such as those from pathogens and mold.
These data feed directly into the Center’s predictive models and intervention strategies, enabling earlier detection of problems and more targeted responses. The research is laying the groundwork toward autonomous microbiome monitoring and smart buildings that support human health rather than undermine it.
Location
Durham, North CarolinaStart Year
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Outcome/Accomplishment
Researchers are developing systems of sensors and lab tools to track air and surface conditions at homes and hospitals, targeting microbes dangerous to human health in research supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Precision Microbiome Engineering (NSF PreMiEr) an Engineering Research Center (ERC) based at Duke University.
Location
Durham, North CarolinaStart Year
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Biotechnology and Healthcare
Lead Institution
Core Partners
Fact Sheet
Impact/benefits
By combining cutting-edge genomic methods with chemical and environmental sensors, the scalable systems allow us to move beyond simple notions of “clean” versus “dirty” and toward a more precise understanding of indoor microbial health.
Explanation/Background
With detection in real-time, the systems not only enable intervention when dangerous microbes are present but can lead to forecasting the conditions that promote the growth of pathogens. More than 50 sites are testing the systems, generating data from personal microbiomes, environmental samples, and building-level measurements. The goal is to identify microbial and chemical signatures linked to health risks such as those from pathogens and mold.
These data feed directly into the Center’s predictive models and intervention strategies, enabling earlier detection of problems and more targeted responses. The research is laying the groundwork toward autonomous microbiome monitoring and smart buildings that support human health rather than undermine it.