Western Kentucky University
Development of Nanospring-Based Device for Quick Remote Diagnostics by Analysis of Chemical Coumpounds in Human Breath
Institution
Western Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Vladimir Dobrokhotov
Abstract
As human breath analysis further develops as a multi-disciplinary field, it is clear that sensor development, instrumentation systems and algorithms play critical roles within this research area. Although much emphasis in the last decade has focused on breath biomarker compound identification and physiological relevance, we increasingly turn our attention towards portable, fieldable sensor platforms for non-invasive breath monitoring. In the human body the lungs have an intimate relationship with the blood: as a result, many volatile compounds from all over the body can be found in the breath. Because of that people with cancer, asthma, and many other diseases carry trace amounts of distinctive biomarkers in their breath. Exhaled breath is an ideal non-invasive medium for any diagnostic test. It is more convenient, efficient and cost-effective than blood and urine-based testing systems, allowing real-time or near-instantaneous results delivered at the point of need. Unlike blood, urine and other bodily fluids, exhaled breath is readily available for non-invasive sampling on a continuous basis. In many ways, breath-based testing is superior to conventional blood and urine sampling. The research was devoted to the design of an advanced chemical sensor (electronic nose) based on the novel nanomaterials – nanosprings. The device is able to determine the concentration of wide variety of chemical species especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – biomarkers of diseases, analyze the data using a recognition scheme, make a decision about the diagnosis, and send a corresponding signal with the condition and location of a patient to the doctor’s office.
Development of Nanospring-Based Device for Quick Remote Diagnostics by Analysis of Chemical Coumpounds in Human Breath
As human breath analysis further develops as a multi-disciplinary field, it is clear that sensor development, instrumentation systems and algorithms play critical roles within this research area. Although much emphasis in the last decade has focused on breath biomarker compound identification and physiological relevance, we increasingly turn our attention towards portable, fieldable sensor platforms for non-invasive breath monitoring. In the human body the lungs have an intimate relationship with the blood: as a result, many volatile compounds from all over the body can be found in the breath. Because of that people with cancer, asthma, and many other diseases carry trace amounts of distinctive biomarkers in their breath. Exhaled breath is an ideal non-invasive medium for any diagnostic test. It is more convenient, efficient and cost-effective than blood and urine-based testing systems, allowing real-time or near-instantaneous results delivered at the point of need. Unlike blood, urine and other bodily fluids, exhaled breath is readily available for non-invasive sampling on a continuous basis. In many ways, breath-based testing is superior to conventional blood and urine sampling. The research was devoted to the design of an advanced chemical sensor (electronic nose) based on the novel nanomaterials – nanosprings. The device is able to determine the concentration of wide variety of chemical species especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – biomarkers of diseases, analyze the data using a recognition scheme, make a decision about the diagnosis, and send a corresponding signal with the condition and location of a patient to the doctor’s office.