VOC Breath Analysis with Ultra-Sensitive Microwave Spectroscopy

Nokomis proposes to develop a real-time microwave spectroscopy device to identify Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) associated with Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity. Exhaled breath contains VOCs that act as signatures of bodily health, and are able to be utilized for health diagnostics. The proposed work will demonstrate sensitivity to the presence of chemicals at less than 50 ppb concentration levels, and focus on characterization of VOCs that have been shown to be linked to Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity. Nokomis has demonstrated expertise in trace chemical detection using the Hiawatha sensor in a microwave spectroscopy measurement device. The proposed effort builds on that expertise that will result in a high precision, high accuracy, and portable analytic device. The proposed effort will measure chemical compounds of interest through the absorption of microwave energy, and correlate these measurements with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy measurements of the gas samples collected. The effort will provide a strong foundation for further development of a prototype device under a Phase II effort.