Exhaled Breath Biomarker Sampling Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and analyzing biomarkers from exhaled breath face challenges such as dilution, contamination, and inefficiency in sampling non-volatile compounds, making it difficult to monitor respiratory health effectively and diagnose medical conditions like cancer and asthma.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a tubular element and filter membrane system that filters out contaminants while allowing aerosol biomarkers to pass through, enabling on-site sampling and analysis using a sensor unit, potentially with methods like mass-spectroscopy or SERS, to determine the presence and quantity of biomarkers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is collected by condensing water vapour, then both volatile and non-volatile compounds can be identified, but dilution with water results in very low concentrations of the substances of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary component (water vapour) from exhaled breath for condensation, while excluding excess water that would cause dilution. The condensation process is controlled to collect biomarkers without introducing additional water that would lower concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the condensation temperature and pressure parameters to optimize biomarker concentration. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system condenses water vapour carrying biomarkers while avoiding excessive water accumulation that would dilute the sample.
2Quantity of substance
If exhaled breath condensate is collected, then biomarkers can be detected, but high contamination with substances originating from the oral cavity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the breath sampling process into distinct segments: oral phase, transitional phase, and deep lung phase. By collecting condensate only from the deep lung phase after the subject has exhaled oral contaminants, the system separates desired biomarkers from unwanted oral cavity substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the subject exhale initially to clear oral cavity contaminants before the actual biomarker collection begins. This preliminary exhalation phase removes contaminants that would otherwise contaminate the condensate sample.
3Quantity of substance
If exhaled breath condensate collection is performed, then biomarkers can be identified, but very inefficient sampling of non-volatiles found in EBC occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cold surfaces as intermediaries to facilitate efficient transfer of non-volatile biomarkers from water vapour to collection surfaces. These intermediaries enhance the condensation process and improve sampling efficiency for non-volatile compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs composite collection surfaces with specific properties that enhance non-volatile compound capture. These surfaces combine hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics to optimize biomarker condensation and retention while improving sampling efficiency.
4Loss of time
If on-site analysis is performed, then rapid diagnosis is enabled, but specialized equipment and training are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable, pre-prepared collection devices that can be used on-site without complex equipment. These single-use devices eliminate the need for expensive, complex instrumentation and specialized training while enabling rapid on-site biomarker detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed for self-service operation where the collection device automatically performs condensation and sample collection without requiring specialized operator skills. The device is user-friendly and requires minimal training, enabling on-site use by non-experts.
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
This method provides a non-invasive, efficient, and user-friendly means for detecting biomarkers, reducing contamination and dilution issues, allowing for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory health conditions without the need for specialized training or equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Non-volatile compounds are transported by aerosol particles that are believed to derive from the respiratory tract lining fluid, lung alveoli or bronchioles
Implementation Method 2
a filter membrane, preferably an electrostatic filter membrane
Implementation Method 3
the filter membrane may be an electrostatic filter
Implementation Method 4
measuring the size distribution simultaneously using impaction plates
Implementation Method 5
methods like mass-spectroscopy or SERS
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
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AI summary
A portable method and sampling device for collecting aerosols comprising biomarkers from exhaled breath of a subject for further sensor based analysis. The sampling device (41) comprising a housing (406) comprising at least one inlet (407) and at least one outlet (408) for the exhaled breath to exit through, and a sampling membrane arranged in the housing. The sampling membrane is arranged to collect the aerosols from said exhaled breath.