Photoacoustics (Aug 2024)

An inexpensive UV-LED photoacoustic based real-time sensor-system detecting exhaled trace-acetone

  • Jonas Pangerl,
  • Pritam Sukul,
  • Thomas Rück,
  • Patricia Fuchs,
  • Stefan Weigl,
  • Wolfram Miekisch,
  • Rudolf Bierl,
  • Frank-Michael Matysik

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 38
p. 100604

Abstract

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In this research we present a low-cost system for breath acetone analysis based on UV-LED photoacoustic spectroscopy. We considered the end-tidal phase of exhalation, which represents the systemic concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – providing clinically relevant information about the human health. This is achieved via the development of a CO2-triggered breath sampling system, which collected alveolar breath over several minutes in sterile and inert containers. A real-time mass spectrometer is coupled to serve as a reference device for calibration measurements and subsequent breath analysis. The new sensor system provided a 3σ detection limit of 8.3 ppbV and an NNEA of 1.4E-9 Wcm−1Hz−0.5. In terms of the performed breath analysis measurements, 12 out of 13 fell within the error margin of the photoacoustic measurement system, demonstrating the reliability of the measurements in the field.

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