Results Leadglow Sense Extremely Low Levels of Lead

Client: Dr. Partha Basu

Address: Duquesne University
600 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15282

County: Allegheny

Website:

Industry: Chemical

Year Founded: 2009

SBDC Assistance: Market feasibility study

“We weren’t actually trying to make a sensor for toxic lead in the beginning, but the results of seeking a component to an enzyme, lead to the development of a lead-sensitive compound, which we’ve called, Leadglow.”  Dr. Partha Basu, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Duquesne University, was referring to an extremely selective compound he developed that detects lead in water.  His patented technology uses fluorescent molecules with a receptor that binds to lead (Pb2+) ions in solution. 

Why is this important?  Toxic levels of lead are a community and workplace health issue.  Lead appears environmentally in air, soil, and water, mostly from previous manufacturing emissions and it also appears in lead-based paint in older homes and buildings.  Lead can present health problems, especially to the brains and nervous systems of children.   Most recently, the Consumer Products Safety Commission enacted rules for testing new domestic and imported children’s products.  Lead detection currently requires time-consuming laboratory testing of samples, or very expensive field equipment.

The Leadglow compound can quantify less than 10 parts per billion of lead in a mixture containing other metal ions,—thus, is more sensitive than the limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and accurate in the presence of other elements. Dr. Basu envisioned a product, such as an affordable, field-portable, handheld device using a fluorometer to provide rapid, accurate results to the presence of lead, or an inexpensive kit or detector to replace the notoriously inaccurate home test kits on the market.

In 2008, Dr. Basu brought the product idea to the SBDC for advice.  Innovation Works, an investor in seed-stage companies in the region, was interested in funding further R&D but wanted Dr. Basu to conduct a market feasibility study.

Results

The Duquesne University SBDC proposed a market feasibility study which would investigate the nature of the lead industry and issues that impact inspection, detection, analysis, and remediation of lead. The consultant with a student team researched statistical data, government reports, trade, professional, and scientific articles, and industry studies.  They also identified and evaluated competitive products and those in R&D. The team developed a primary market research survey directed toward industrial hygienists and certified lead assessors nationwide.  The survey was sent to 1,194 industrial hygienists and certified lead assessors actively working with lead inspections with over an 8% return rate of return.

Results

market was very interested in a product providing quick, measurable results that was durable but easy to use with little or no training.  The price should be no more expensive than a laptop computer.  Ideally, the product should test not only water but other matrices, such as soil or dust.  In May 2009, Dr. Basu was awarded a $25,000 grant to further the research and development of the Leadglow compound.

If you would like more information on how the Duquesne University SBDC can assist you with your business, please contact us by: form, phone 412.396.6233, or email duqsbdc@duq.edu