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Published on: March 9, 2018
Multiplexed Nanomaterial-Based Sensor Array for Detection of COVID-19 in Exhaled Breath
Benjie Shan1,2, Yoav Y Broza3, Wenjuan Li1
1Department of Tumor Biotherapy (5th Ward of the Department of Oncology), Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, West District of The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230031, Hefei, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
A novel breathalyzer using nanomaterial sensors can rapidly detect COVID-19 biomarkers. This noninvasive diagnostic tool shows promise for epidemic control and reducing hospital burdens.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Infectious Disease Diagnostics
Background:
- COVID-19 diagnosis relies on methods with limitations.
- Need for rapid, noninvasive diagnostic tools for epidemic control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a noninvasive breathalyzer for COVID-19 detection.
- To assess its potential as an epidemic control tool.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a nanomaterial-based hybrid sensor array for multiplexed detection of breath biomarkers.
- Conducted an exploratory clinical study with COVID-19 patients, healthy controls, and other lung infection controls.
- Applied discriminant analysis to sensor signals for group differentiation.
Main Results:
- Achieved high accuracy in differentiating COVID-19 patients from controls (94% training, 76% testing).
- Demonstrated strong performance in distinguishing COVID-19 from other lung infections (90% training, 95% testing).
- Exploratory study showed promising diagnostic capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The breathalyzer shows potential for rapid, accurate COVID-19 diagnosis.
- This technology could reduce unnecessary tests and hospital burden.
- The platform may be adaptable for diagnosing other infectious diseases.
