Exhaled breath contains many chemical compounds that may signal metabolic changes in human and animal bodies. Measuring these biomarkers has the potential of replacing existing medical (blood) tests. In a project of Senzair, Relitech, LioniX, MESA+/University of Twente and Lode, a sensor was developed to measure online the concentration of ammonia in exhaled breath.
A micro-fluidic sensor chip was developed to measure concentrations of NH3 in the ppb-ppm-range. This chip was incorporated in a demonstrator that enables sampling of exhaled breath and delivering the NH3-containing air sample to the chip. The primary applications are improved diagnostics for detection of a stomach ulcer (by Helicobacter pylori bacteria) and monitoring the build up of lactic acid during exercise. Besides, NH3-gas is an indicator of several internal diseases (from stomach, heart and lungs).
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Marieke Snijder-van As, Relitech | Download presentation |