Micro preconcentrator with embedded 3D pillars for breath analysis applications

This paper presents a high-performance microfabricated preconcentrator consisting of a micro-cavity with embedded 3D structures and on-chip thermal desorption capability. The novel crisscross pillar design with multiple inlet/outlet ports demonstrated high surface to volume ratio, higher probability of adsorption, and improved sample distribution. This device achieved a preconcentration factor of more than 10,000 making it suitable for hand-held breath analyzers to concentrate and identify trace levels of volatile organic compounds found in human breath.