URI's Andreu changing operations for COVID research

Dr. Irene Andreu manages the Rhode Island Consortium for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, a core facility supported by RI NSF EPSCoR that houses high-tech microscopes capable of examining the composition of materials at the smallest of scales. Prior to the pandemic, for example, Andreu was helping students research how aquatic bacteria adheres to microplastics. Now, she’s using the microscopes to better understand the effectiveness of certain filter materials for masks that hinder spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The materials are first tested by a custom-built system, designed by URI’s Dr. Manbir Sodhi, that pumps incense smoke across the surface of the filter, which is then brought to Andreu’s lab for examination. Andreu is also currently working alongside Dr. Vinka Oyanedel-Craver, professor of civil and environmental engineering at URI and an RI NSF EPSCoR investigator, in developing a new system for aerosol research and teaching. Andreu and Sodhi have examined hundreds of different materials over the past months, from paper-based materials like coffee filters to HEPA fabrics.

The goal for Andreu and URI’s Rapid Solvers’ Dr. Kunal Mankodiya, associate professor of electrical, computer, and biomedical engineering at URI, is to provide well-researched guidance for the public who are making masks and filters from materials not specifically designed for medical use. Rapid Solvers has also distributed a large number of face shields for first responders and nursing homes across the state.

Read the full story from University of Rhode Island here.