SBIR-STTR Award

Respiratory viral infection can sometimes lead to serious, possibly life threatening complications. Highly contagious respiratory diseases cause significant disruptions to social and economic systems if spread is uncontrolled. Therefore, the rapid and precise identification of viral infection before entering crowded or vulnerable areas is essential for suppressing their transmission effectively. Additionally, a device that is reconfigurable to address the next pandemic is highly desired. Screening for infection via exhaled breath analysis could provide a quick and simple method to find infectious carriers. This breath analyzer conceptualizes a rapid scanning device enabling the user to determine the presence of viral infection in an exhaled breath through analyzing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) concentrations.N5 Sensors will technically evaluate the feasibility of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensors for realizing Rapid Infection Screening via Exhalation (RISE) in a breathalyzer able to identify respiratory virus infected individuals, suitable for mass-testing scenarios.The proposed survey is expected to provide the guidance how to devise an integrated sensor system for actualizing initial screening at key check points. The evaluation will be accomplished by performing market survey, research level survey, and receiving consulting from breath analyzer pioneering companies for 1) Breath analyzer platform2) VOC gas sensors and 3) Machine learning algorithm. The survey will be progressed within stepwise assessment from initial database search, article screening and selection, to quality assessment and assortment. A comprehensive final report will be provided in which our findings and research strategy for Phase II are presented.

N5 Sensors proposed to develop a non-thermal screening device to enable real-time breath analysis for viral infection in non-clinical settings. The approach is based on the use of N5’s chip-scale chemical sensors configured into a low-cost, portable system. The concept, Rapid Infection Screening via Exhalation (RISE) will distinguish different respiratory pathogens including those of viral or bacterial origin. In Phase I N5 developed a foundation for future development work by identifying key biomarkers of viral infection, developing prototype concepts, and conducting a market analysis of current and developmental approaches.The Phase I work provides a solid foundation for the Phase II design and prototyping effort.The RISE sensing device is based on detection of volatile organic compound (VOC) chemical signatures in breath samples, in real time, using N5’s sensor array technology platform. In Phase II the sensor technology will be proven out in laboratory studies; RISE design concepts will be further developed; and a prototype will be fabricated for further testing. At the conclusion of the Phase II a RISE prototype will be tested with human breath samples to provide initial validation of the approach. Phase II completion will lead to performance and design documentation suitable for technology transition. Ultimately RISE will provide a unique capability for rapid screening of viral infections in public areas, such as airports. RISE would enable airports to have a higher degree of screening without using more time-consuming and expensive analytical tes