Recent Advances in Nanomaterial-Based Human Breath Analytical Technology for Clinical Diagnosis and the Way Forward

• Published in: Chem Vol. 5; no. 12; pp. 3020 - 3057
• Main Authors: Kabir, Ehsanul, Raza, Nadeem, Kumar, Vanish, Singh, Jagpreet, Tsang, Yiu Fai, Lim, Dong Kwon, Szulejko, Jan Edward, Kim, Ki-Hyun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 12.12.2019
• Subjects: breath analysis; nanomaterial; SDG3: Good health and well-being; SDG7: Affordable and clean energy; sensor; volatile organic compound; nanomaterial; SDG3: Good health and well-being; sensor; breath analysis; SDG7: Affordable and clean energy; volatile organic compound
• ISSN: 2451-9294
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2019.08.004

For the putative diagnosis of various health disorders, the use of nanomaterial (NM)-based sensors for the detection of biomarkers in breath samples has become an emerging research field. In this work, we offer a systemic review on NM-based sensing of key breath biomarkers (mainly volatile organic compounds [VOCs]) based on the up-to-date survey of available techniques and relevant data. Also, we provide a basis for thorough evaluation to specifically address the technological gaps and bewildering factors of this emerging technique. Nonetheless, the use of NM-based detection approaches is still unsatisfactory and immature (e.g., real-time point-of-care applications) due to a number of demerits (e.g., extremely long rise and slew times). To ideally resolve the remaining obstacles in this research field and to avoid a “false dawn” scenario, NM-based breath sensing techniques should be dealt as a priority subject for future research and development. [Display omitted] The analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on exhaled breath is a promising option for diagnosing various health disorders and diseases (e.g., respiratory infections, lung cancer, and metabolic problems). Note that the acquisition of breath samples is more convenient while being less invasive than that for biopsy (blood or tissue) samples. Yet, breath analysis for clinical applications is extremely limited, mainly because of a lack of proper validation and certification. The NM-based point-of-care sensor must deliver many potential clinical advantages, such as an ultralow detection limit, a fast response time (i.e., a rise time constant < 10 s), excellent orthogonality, and cost effectiveness (e.g., <10 USD per test), in relation to traditional methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and biopsy tests. In this work, we comprehensively review the suitability of diverse nanomaterial-based sensing approaches for breath analysis based on their performance evaluation. We provide detailed descriptions of the present technological challenges and the directions for future research endeavors in this research field. As such, this review will be useful to guide researchers in developing the systems and tools required for comprehensive breath analysis based on state-of-the-art knowledge on the associated nanotube or nanomaterial in relevant fields of research.