# Commercialization of Novel Silicon Microslit Filters for Microplastic Contamination Testing

> **NIH NIH R44** · SIMPORE, INC. · 2022 · $703,511

## Abstract

Abstract
Environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs) in fresh water and oceans is a growing problem that is
now well-recognized in both the popular media and scientific literature. Concerning levels of MPs have
been found in food and local waters, as well as in human tissues. Several government regulatory bodies
have (or are in the process of) implementing mandatory MP drinking water testing, including the State of
California, Canada, and a number of EU countries. This Phase II SBIR project addresses the need for
improved tools and related services for capturing and analyzing MPs.
Our precedent Phase I SBIR award established the utility of our (SiMPore's) silicon nanomembranes with
micron-scale rectangular pores (“microslit filters”) for the capture and analysis of MPs. We demonstrated
utility in detecting MPs in consumer beverages and throughout a spatial map of the City of Rochester
(NY) water system. We created a new venture (ParVerio) commercializing MP testing services based on
SiMPore's membranes. We established products' features according to voice-of-customer data, are
participating in an international MP detection lab validation study, and are engaging a large instrument
vendor as co-development partner for product marketing. This Phase II project will advance the
manufacturing of microslit filters, automate their packaging into 13 mm discs for compatibility with
existing vacuum filtration devices, and develop peripherals for rapid MP screening and filter analysis.
We will scale our nanomembrane production to multi-wafer batches to reach cost-of-good targets in lined
with identified pricing levels. We will develop a process for combining injection-molded 13 mm disc
blanks and nanomembrane chips using pick-and-place robotics, precision glueing, and thermal curing. We
will also develop two peripheral products: 1) a machined 25x75 mm footprint microscope slide to hold
three 13 mm discs; and 2) a proprietary filtration apparatus with software, readouts, and transmembrane
pressure sensors for rapid water sample screening. This second device will automate the identification of
samples with debris and the production of optimal samples for analysis.
Through subcontracts, we will support novel end-use applications at spin-out ParVerio and the University
of Rochester (UR). ParVerio will develop a MP challenge test (NSF/ANSI 42 Particulate Class I
Reduction standard) as a service for assessing MP removal efficiency of filtration products. At UR, the
McGrath and Knox labs will develop thermal birefringence using microslit filters as a low-cost, label free
approach for MP identification. The successful development of thermal birefringence would become a
Parverio service and product and dramatically expand the number of end-users doing MP analysis
because of low instrument costs.
This Phase II project will support the commercialization of SiMPore's microslit filters to meet the
expanding needs for MP capture and analysis products and related servic...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10465267
- **Project number:** 5R44ES031036-03
- **Recipient organization:** SIMPORE, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** James Andrew Roussie
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $703,511
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-01 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10465267

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10465267, Commercialization of Novel Silicon Microslit Filters for Microplastic Contamination Testing (5R44ES031036-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10465267. Licensed CC0.

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