Real time detection of stress- and fatigue-related biomarkers using vibrational spectroscopy

ABSTRACT: The effects of fatigue and exhaustion can have significant effects on the capabilities of personnel throughout the military and civilian sectors. Current methods to evaluate and reduce the effects of severe fatigue and exhaustion include self-reporting, assessment using simple cognitive tests and exercises, and the implementation of fatigue management programs. Detection of chemical indicators of stress and fatigue would greatly enhance the efficacy of fatigue detection, potentially preventing costly and/or fatal accidents. In this Phase I effort, Ionica Sciences will collaborate with Dr. Pamela Dalton of the Monell Chemical Senses Center to identify stress and fatigue-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath, and develop a method for spectroscopically detecting and quantitating these VOCs. A small scale human trial to identify chemicals in human breath that are associated with physical and mental fatigue will first be executed. Based on the chemical indicators of stress and fatigue identified in this trial, a vibrational spectroscopy-based method will be coupled with data analysis methods to produce a rapid, sensitive assay to quantify the chemicals in human breath indicative of stress and fatigue. BENEFIT: While estimating the costs of fatigue and exhaustion of the US economy is difficult, some estimate the cost to be over $136 billion, if healthcare costs are included. The ability to directly monitor the onset of fatigue could dramatically alter the way military and civilian workers in high stress, and high vigilance occupations are monitored. Using a quantitative approach, it may be possible to monitor and tailor worker schedules based on the actual onset of fatigue instead of regulating civilian industries based averages of the effects of fatigue and exhaustion on workers. The ability to detect fatigue and exhaustion before it causes mistakes and accidents could dramatically reduce costs to the US economy.