MOS Based Sensor Array System for the Detection of Human Breath Volatile Organic Compounds

Abstract

This paper discusses the fabrication and testing of an electronic nose (e-nose) system to detect the breath volatile organic compounds (VOC) present in the exhaled breath of humans. The exhaled breath consists of several VOCs in addition to the main components like nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. Some of these VOCs are biomarkers for certain lung diseases, and can even identify smokers and drinkers by the variations of VOCs. This involves the use of sensor arrays, consisting of five metal oxide (MOS) gas sensors to detect the VOC profile of interest. This paper describes the gas sensor selection process and sensor array fabrication method, to develop the e-nose system. It uses five MOS sensors, an Arduino, and an analysis of processed sensor data to identify and label the various lung conditions. The e-nose system was tested in a small pilot study involving 10 subjects, to verify the operation of the e-Nose, and the results of the study are also included, along with the conclusions drawn from the work.