Colorimetric Sensor for Ammonia Detection in Exhaled Breath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring ammonia concentration in exhaled breath are invasive, costly, and require trained personnel, making them unsuitable for at-home monitoring and early detection of chronic kidney disease.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive, low-cost device using a colorimetric sensor that changes color in response to ammonia levels in exhaled breath, allowing patients to monitor their ammonia concentration easily and accurately at home.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas chromatography mass spectrometry or selected-ion-flow-tube mass spectrometry is used to measure ammonia concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of ammonia detection from complex analytical systems. By using a colorimetric sensor that specifically detects ammonia through color change, the invention removes unnecessary components of mass spectrometry systems while retaining the core measurement capability, thus simplifying the device while maintaining measurement precision for ammonia concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable colorimetric sensor strips that are inexpensive and single-use. These sensors provide accurate ammonia measurement through colorimetric reaction without requiring expensive, complex instrumentation. The disposable nature eliminates the need for costly maintenance, calibration, and skilled operation associated with mass spectrometry systems
2Measurement precision
If blood or urine tests are used to monitor kidney disease, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses exhaled breath as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure kidney function parameters. Instead of directly analyzing blood or urine, the device detects ammonia concentration in breath, which correlates with kidney disease progression. This intermediary approach provides the measurement precision of laboratory tests while achieving the ease of operation of a simple breath test
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive sampling procedures (blood draw, urine collection) with a non-invasive breath analysis system. The colorimetric sensor detects ammonia in exhaled breath without requiring physical contact with bodily fluids, thereby maintaining diagnostic accuracy while dramatically improving ease of operation and patient comfort
3Measurement precision
If laser-acoustic-based spectrometry is used for breath analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex laser-acoustic spectrometry systems with inexpensive disposable colorimetric sensor strips. These sensors provide sufficient measurement precision for ammonia detection through simple colorimetric chemistry, eliminating the need for costly laser equipment, acoustic resonators, and sophisticated signal processing systems that are difficult to manufacture and deploy
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
Enables patients to track their ammonia levels in real-time, facilitating early disease detection and management, reducing morbidity and healthcare costs by providing a simple, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution for monitoring chronic kidney disease progression.
Implementation Method 1
a colorimetric sensor that changes color in response to ammonia levels in exhaled breath
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus for measuring the ammonia concentration in exhaled breath and a method for measuring the ammonia concentration in exhaled breath. The apparatus comprises a sample collection portion, capable of capturing exhaled breath to control the volume of exhaled breath, a pressure gauge for the control of the flow rate of exhaled breath, a small diameter inner tube oriented in a perpendicular direction to the colorimetric sensor to focus the exhaled breath stream onto the central region of the sensor, and an analysis portion capable of receiving said exhaled breath from said sample collection portion. The analysis portion comprises a colorimetric sensor comprising an active component on a substrate. The colorimetric sensor changes color proportional to the ammonia concentration in said exhaled breath.