A new sensor developed at Stony Brook University may become a clinically useful tool for detecting disease biomarkers in breath. The nanoprobe based technology is currently able to detect acetone, but should be modifiable to spot other compounds.
From the study abstract:
This paper describes a sensor nanotechnology suitable for non-invasive monitoring of a signaling gas, such as acetone, in exhaled breath. This is a nanomedicine tool comprised of a selective acetone nanoprobe working on the principle of ferroelectric poling sensing, and a microelectronics circuit for comparing the actual sensor signal to a predetermined threshold value, displaying the result using LED signals. This on/off type non-invasive diagnostics platform technology is based on nanotechnology, gives a fast response, it is simple to operate and inexpensive to manufacture, and may truly revolutionize personalized medicine.
Full story: New Sensor Nanotechnology Developed by Stony Brook University Researchers Simplifies Disease Detection…
Abstract in Sensor Letters: Nanosensor Device for Breath Acetone Detection