Case Study: NANOSAFE TESTED™ Summary

Background
NanoSafe, Inc. developed a testing program to independently evaluate the generation and containment of a controlled nanoaerosol inside a Labconco XPert® Nano™ System. The purpose of the evaluation was to compare nanoparticulate levels generated inside the enclosure via a specialized ejector to particulate levels around the enclosure's sash opening and ultra low penetration air (ULPA) filtration exhaust. Test methods integrated aerosolization and characterization strategies described in recent peer-reviewed studies and one existing test method developed for fume hoods.

Test Enclosure
According to Labconco product literature (www.labconco.com), the XPert® Nano™ System provides user protection by keeping hazardous powders and particulates contained during procedures such as nanoparticle manipulation and dry powder chemical handling. The patented containment enhancing design features maintain user protection by drawing room air into the front of the enclosure, sweeping the cabinet interior, pulling the air to the back through the patented baffle, and filtering the air through a 99.999% bag-in/bag-out ULPA filter before returning the clean air to the laboratory. The all stainless steel interior (sides, worksurface, removable baffle and removable airfoil) is designed for easy wipe down and cleaning procedures. An optional built-in ionizer neutralizes static charge on interior surfaces by emitting ions into the airstream, which helps reduce weighing errors and attraction of particles to the enclosure surfaces.