# Development of a Respiratory Sensor for Animal Model Research

> **NIH NIH R43** · AQUILLIUS CORPORATION · 2023 · $395,558

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
 Over half a billion people worldwide currently suffer from a chronic respiratory disease and is the third
leading cause of deaths and disability, and thus, responsible for 4 million deaths a year. The ability to
accurately monitor and measure pulmonary functions in animal models, especially in rodents, is critical to
advancing our understanding of normal lung functions and, importantly, the mechanisms driving the
development and progression of respiratory diseases. By improving the translation of animal data, new
respiratory therapies can be developed, thus allowing clinicians and veterinarians to better care for their
patients. However, performing pulmonary function tests in animals, especially in small animals, such as rats
and mice, is extremely challenging. Current methods require anesthesia, restraint, or is invasive, thus
negatively impacting their breathing patterns. This results in the introduction of errors into the data, resulting in
irreproducibility of experiments and reducing their translational impact on improving human health.
Additionally, current technologies are expensive and ineffective due to limited capacity.
 To overcome the current limitations in performing pulmonary function tests in small animals, Aquillius
Corporation is proposing proof-of-concept pilot studies to develop a non-invasive sensor capable of real-time
monitoring and measuring of pulmonary function. Easily applied to unrestrained and awake animals, the
respiratory sensor will reduce stress to both the animals and researchers, thus enhancing the usability and
reproducibility of data. Using graphene nanomaterials, the sensor will be cost-effective, robust, and can be
adapted for future use in larger animals and in humans. Thus, the proposed development of a respiratory
sensor that continuously monitors pulmonary functions will be an invaluable tool that can advance biomedical
research and improve patient care.
 Upon completion of Phase I feasibility studies, we will have developed and validated the respiratory
sensor’s capabilities for measuring pulmonary function in rats. We plan to submit for a Phase II proposal to
develop manufacturing process controls and refine end-user interface and software with the goal of finalizing a
commercially ready respiratory sensor.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10697651
- **Project number:** 1R43OD034532-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** AQUILLIUS CORPORATION
- **Principal Investigator:** MyPhuong T Le
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $395,558
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-06-15 → 2025-06-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10697651

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10697651, Development of a Respiratory Sensor for Animal Model Research (1R43OD034532-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10697651. Licensed CC0.

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