Nanomaterial-based sensors for detection of disease by volatile organic compounds

Abstract

The importance of developing new diagnostic and detection technologies for the growing number of clinical challenges is rising each year. Here, we present a concise, yet didactic review on a new diagnostics frontier based on the detection of disease-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by means of nanomaterial-based sensors. Nanomaterials are ideal for such sensor arrays because they are easily fabricated, chemically versatile and can be integrated into currently available sensing platforms. Following a general introduction, we provide a brief description of the VOC-related diseases concept. Then, we focus on detection of VOC-related diseases by selective and crossreactive sensing approaches, through chemical, optical and mechanical transducers incorporating the most important classes of nanomaterials. Selected examples of the integration of nanomaterials into selective sensors and crossreactive sensor arrays are given. We conclude with a brief discussion on the integration possibilities of different types of nanomaterials into sensor arrays, and the expected outcomes and limitations.

Assessment of ovarian cancer conditions from exhaled breath

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10] These VOCs can be found in various body fluids, such as tissue, blood, and breath. 5,8,9 Based on this principle, trained canines showed an ability to distinguish OC tissues 11 or blood samples 12 from equivalent controls with 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity. As canine OC detection is not feasible for wide-spread clinical use, these studies have inspired scientists to utilize suitably sensitive analytical instrumentation for quick and easy clinical use with similar accuracy.…”

“…8,10,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] As the sensors array approach provides results in a "black-box" approach (based on trained sensors and an algorithm), we use also gas chromatography linked with mass spectrometry to gain information about the chemical and composition nature of the examined samples.…”

Aerosol sampling using an electrostatic precipitator integrated with a microfluidic interface

“…Much effort has been made in the past to link volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled air, to a patient's state of health [1], specifically with respect to identifying biomarkers for cancer [2][3][4][5][6]. Exhaled breath contains both gases, and aerosol droplets, however, the main focus of breath analysis thus far, has been on gas detection, which can contain: inorganic gases, i.e.…”

Sensor Arrays Based on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Chemiresistors versus Quartz-Crystal Microbalance

“…[1][2][3][4][5] These arrays could meet the growing demand for rapid and flexible online detection of a wide range of chemical and biological agents in different branches of industry, homeland security, 5,6 environmental monitoring, 5,7,8 and medical diagnostics [1][2][3][4][5][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] . Combined with statistical algorithms, these sensor arrays can provide convenient bionics of the mammalian olfactory system for identifying complex gas samples, without the necessity of identifying their separate ingredients.…”

“…Combined with statistical algorithms, these sensor arrays can provide convenient bionics of the mammalian olfactory system for identifying complex gas samples, without the necessity of identifying their separate ingredients. [1][2][3][4][5] In this configuration, every sensing element responds to all or to part of the chemical compounds in the gas sample. Odorspecific response patterns are then established by applying pattern recognition-and classification algorithms.…”