Ultrafine Concentrated Ambient Particles

Ultrafine concentrated ambient particles (UCAPs) are environmental particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 0.1 micrometers, collected from ambient air and concentrated for clinical research purposes. Developed and utilized by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), UCAPs serve as a standardized challenge agent to study the respiratory and systemic health effects of air pollution. When administered via nasal challenge, these particles induce oxidative stress and trigger the release of pro-inflammatory mediators in the nasal mucosa, allowing for the characterization of cellular inflammation and its impact on individuals with allergic rhinitis or other respiratory conditions. The particles are typically concentrated using specialized systems like the Versatile Aerosol Concentration Enrichment System (VACES).

Other names

Ultrafine ParticlesConcentrated Ambient ParticlesFine and Ultrafine Particles