A Novel Modular eNose System Based on Commercial MOX Sensors to Detect Low Concentrations of VOCs for Breath Gas Analysis

Abstract

In this work, a new generation of eNose systems particularly suited for exhaled breath gas analysis is presented. The developed analyzer system comprises a compact modular, low volume, temperature controlled sensing chamber explicitly tested for the detection of acetone, isoprene, pentane and isopropanol. The eNose system sensing chamber consists of three compartments, each of which can contain 8 analog Metal Oxide (MOX) sensors or 10 digital MOX sensors. Additional sensors within the digital compartment allow for pressure, humidity and temperature measurements. The presented eNose system contains a sensor array with up to 30 physical sensors and provides the ability to discriminate between low VOC concentrations under dry and humid conditions. The MOX sensor signals were analyzed by pattern recognition methods.

Keywords

• eNose
• MOX
• commercial sensors
• analog
• digital
• VOC
• breath gas analysis