Trends in chemical sensors for non-invasive breath analysis

Abstract

The advancements of chemical sensors over the past 50 years have significantly expanded the diversity of available sensors making them more affordable, portable, sensitive, and partially chemically selective. Despite these advancements, the diversity and capability of sensors used in breath analysis has remained limited due to challenges that persist in this field. This encompasses fluctuations in humidity, temperature, and oxygen concentration within breath that all pose challenges that can significantly affect sensor output. This review article aims to introduce and compare the techniques used in current chemical sensor arrays for breath analysis. A brief overview of the discrete chemical sensors and arrays employed in breath research, at both commercial and research levels, is discussed. Furthermore, current trends in data analysis for chemical sensor arrays in breath analysis is described. Finally, a detailed outlook of recent diagnostic results from studies implementing sensor arrays from the last 5 years is outlined.