Breathalyzer Detection Platform for Presence of Viral Infections

Triton Systems, Inc. will identify, design, and develop three noninvasive diagnostic tools to screen breath for the presence of communicable respiratory viral infections. The proposed screening technologies will be based on low-cost, high-throughput sensing modalities capable of detecting unique signatures of viral pathogens. After conducting a thorough and technical review of available targets, including volatile organic contaminants (VOCs), and suitable sensing platforms, Triton will develop sensor components into an integrated system with minimal form factor for use as personal health monitors or at travel checkpoints in highly trafficked areas. The proposed sensors will be easy to administer and widely deployable to maximize their benefit during seasonal epidemics and global pandemics involving communicable respiratory viral infections. Emphasis will be placed on an inexpensive platform with superlative sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and throughput. Wireless communication capabilities will enable the presentation and recording of the screening results in under five minutes at the site of use. Combined, the sensor components will be a widely deployable platform for detecting viral respiratory agents with pandemic potential, enhancing public health emergency readiness, and improving the transportation security infrastructure in the United States.