Breath Analysis for SARS-CoV-2 Detection via PTR-MS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for early detection and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 are challenging, with limited non-invasive and efficient solutions available, particularly for identifying asymptomatic carriers and distinguishing between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) to analyze exhaled breath samples, identifying specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by their mass-to-charge ratio, which differentiates between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients with high accuracy, and a device for real-time analysis to support rapid screening and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods for early detection and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection are used, then detection capability is limited, but non-invasive and efficient solutions are scarce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/invasive sampling methods (nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum collection) with a non-invasive breath analysis system using PTR-MS technology. The system detects volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath without physical contact or discomfort to the patient, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining detection capability through sophisticated mass spectrometry analysis.
2Measurement precision
If traditional diagnostic methods are used, then differentiation between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients is challenging, but complexity of testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and analyzes specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the complex breath mixture using PTR-MS technology. By focusing on particular ion signals (m/z ratios) corresponding to specific VOCs that serve as biomarkers for SARS-CoV-2 infection, the system achieves high differentiation accuracy without requiring complex multi-step testing procedures. The system isolates the relevant diagnostic information from the complex breath composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures and analyzes multiple parameters including signal intensity, concentration of ions, mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), and temporal patterns of VOC excretion. By monitoring changes in these parameters over time and comparing them against reference values, the system achieves precise differentiation between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients while maintaining relatively simple operational procedures.
3Productivity
If rapid screening is implemented, then detection speed increases, but accuracy of differentiation between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of breath samples by immediately analyzing VOCs upon collection, without requiring complex sample preparation or incubation steps. The PTR-MS system provides real-time or near-real-time detection of biomarker VOCs, enabling rapid screening while maintaining high differentiation accuracy through pre-validated analysis protocols and reference value comparisons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a breathprint profile (spectral fingerprint) that copies the unique VOC signature of each patient's breath. This breathprint serves as a rapid diagnostic marker that can be generated quickly and compared against reference profiles to achieve accurate differentiation between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients without requiring time-consuming additional testing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves a high accuracy of 90-93% in differentiating between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, enabling non-invasive, real-time detection and providing a breathprint for COVID-19 diagnosis, screening, and monitoring, with potential for point-of-care applications.
Implementation Method 1
A method utilizing proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) to analyze exhaled breath samples, identifying specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by their mass-to-charge ratio
Data Source
AI summary
The method for analysis, the method comprising:—obtaining a sample comprising elements coming from breath exhaled from a person (112);—exposing the sample to a spectrometer;—determining at least one value of a signal intensity and/or concentration of ions defined by its mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) given by the spectrometer in at least one range, the or each range being defined by a median value and limits of the range;—applying at least one test to the value, the range(s) and the test being configured for identifying that:—a person carries and/or is infected with SARS-CoV-2,—a person does not carry and/or is not infected with SARS-CoV-2,—a person suffers from COVID-19, and/or—a person does not suffer from COVID-19; and—communicating a message according to a result of the test.