Russian scientists have developed a sensor based on graphene and polymer, printed on ordinary office paper, that is capable of detecting diabetes and other diseases by analyzing exhaled air in real time.
The press service of the Institute of Semiconductor Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported that the device is capable of identifying disease-indicating molecules with high accuracy.
The institute stated: "We were able to achieve high sensitivity in the measurements thanks to the development of a new nanostructured material for the sensors. Moreover, the sensors were designed in different shapes that allow control over the spectrum of molecules picked up by the surface, so that each sensor reads only the required signals, which may indicate the presence of diseases."
The institute's lead researcher, Irina Antonova, added: "This development will allow patients suspected of having chronic diseases to monitor their health even at home in the future, and the sensor is also characterized by its low cost and ease of use."
The institute noted that the device is capable of detecting very small amounts of acetone, ammonia and other substances, as high concentrations of these substances in exhaled air are an indicator of diabetes, heart failure or kidney problems.
The device consists of a thin membrane that can be easily attached to a medical mask, making it suitable for use in hospitals, including continuous monitoring of breathing during surgical procedures.
The device works by detecting changes in electrical current when exhaled air comes into contact with the sensor. Gases are captured by the sensor's surface, affecting its ability to conduct current. The results are displayed instantly on a screen as a graph.
The device's high sensitivity allows it to track even slight increases in glucose levels after eating. The developers tested the sensor on 32 volunteers, including healthy individuals, people with diabetes, and a person who had suffered a heart attack, successfully detecting peak acetone concentrations in the patients' exhaled breath.
The institute added that most current portable medical devices measure only physical indicators, such as pulse or blood pressure, while chemical breath analyzers are often complex and limited to clinics. The new sensor is distinguished by its simplicity and low cost.
This device was developed in collaboration with the Institute of High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and with the support of a grant from the Russian Science Foundation.
