Trained canines can identify health conditions using their sense of smell. The goal of this research is to develop a wearable sensor that can be used to non-invasively check for VOCs associated with hypoglycemia. Parallel studies conducted by our group of gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) of breath samples of patients in normoglycemia and hypoglycemia have revealed valuable information to help design and develop a selective sensor array for detecting hypoglycemia. The sensors are designed using a superhydrophobic conductive polymer composite containing Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP). Fabricated sensors are then further modified by chemical and physical means to enhance selectivity and sensitivity toward targeting VOCs that we have found are associated with hypoglycemia. The sensors are tested at different humidity levels from 0-80% R.H. and show superior response at high humidity. The individual nanosensors are next coupled together and, using a PCA model, demonstrate excellent selectivity at detecting and determining specific VOC targets. The sensor synthesis, fabrication, testing methods, and results will be presented.<br/>

Studies toward developing a wearable breath sensor for detecting hypoglycemia using VOCs

255th National Meeting (2018)

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