Airborne biomarker localization engine for open-air point-of-care detection

Abstract

Unlike biomarkers in biofluids, airborne biomarkers are dilute and difficult to trace. Detecting diverse airborne biomarkers with sufficient sensitivity typically relies on bulky and expensive equipment like mass spectrometers that remain inaccessible to the general population. Here we introduce airborne biomarker localization engine (ABLE), a simple, affordable and portable platform that can detect both non-volatile and volatile molecules and particulate biomarkers from open air in about 15 min. ABLE substantially improves the gas detection limits by converting dilute gases into droplets by water condensation, producing concentrated aqueous samples that can be easily tested by existing liquid-sensing platforms. Fundamental studies of multiphase condensation revealed unexpected stability in condensate-trapped biomarkers, making ABLE a reliable, accessible and high-performance system for open-air-based biosensing applications such as non-contact infant healthcare, pathogen detection in public spaces and food safety monitoring. Detecting dilute airborne biomarkers is important in healthcare but is limited by the low sensitivity of current gas sensors. A portable, low-cost device is introduced that uses water condensation to enrich airborne biomarkers into a concentrated liquid, enabling existing liquid sensors to detect biomarkers with high sensitivity and broad accessibility.