IIT Jodhpur researchers develop breath sensor for alcohol detection

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Jodhpur) researchers have developed a human breath sensor based on metal oxides and nano silicon operating at room temperature. The primary function of the device is used to measure alcohol content in breath in drunk and driving cases.

It can also be used for characterisation of diseases after changing some sensing layers and the use of an array of sensors. The diseases that can be characterised include asthma, diabetic ketoacidosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and cardiac arrest, where the person's breath volatile organic compounds are monitored.

The research was funded by the Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), and the MSME ministry. The research was published by Nikhil Vadera, PhD student, IDRP- Smart Healthcare, IIT Jodhpur, and Saakshi Dhanekar, associate professor, electrical engineering department of IIT Jodhpur.

The research team developed the team as the existing sensors are based on fuel cell-based technology or metal oxide technology. The researchers decided to develop a breath VOC sensor which costs less than the existing fuel cell technology-based device. In similar lines, the team has developed a breath monitoring sensor based on partially reduced graphene oxide.

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Dhanekar said, “Continued research and development in these directions could lead to the practical implementation of the breath diagnostics in various fields, ranging from healthcare and wellness to wearable technology and IoT applications. The output of the sensors can be connected to Raspberry Pi and the data can be sent to a doctor or phone.”

She further added, “My start-up ‘Sensekriti Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd’ does innovation for the benefit of the society. The team sees the challenge in research as an opportunity and solves it by using three tools: creativity, perseverance, and exceptional teamwork.”