Development of exhaled breath assay devices using Functionalized Quartz sensors

This paper emphasizes on development of a sensitive and low cost exhaled breath assay device for clinical applications. Functionalized Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) is used as the sensing platform to identify and quantify various bio-markers in the exhaled breath. Heme-based receptors, organic receptors, etc., will be functionalized on the quartz crystal electrodes to obtain the finger print of the various bio-markers in the exhaled breath. Animal model studies (e.g. urban smoke inhalation injury) have been carried out to validate the developed sensor system. Subsequently, a prototype for portable exhaled breath devices is illustrated using the developed sensor system.