Fabrication of High Sensitivity Sensor Consisted of Blend Nanofibers and Microfluidic Device for Exhaled Breath Analysis

We are proposing a three-year program on the subject of “Fabrication of High Sensitivity Sensor Consisted of Blend Nanofibers and Microfluidic Device for Exhaled Breath Analysis”. In the first year, we will fabricate the 3D-structured blend nanofibers as the sensing materials by electrospinning technique. The optical properties of sensing materials will be enhanced based on localized surface plasmon resonance and polarization. The sensing materials can detect various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In the second year, we will develop the low-damage plasma etching method for sensing materials modification. In order to improve the sensing effect, we will combine sensing materials and microfluidic device for real-time and high sensitivity detection. Finally, we will combine our outcomes in the first two years and further decorate the surface of our sensor with metal oxide for sensitivity enhancement. We will cooperate with the doctors of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, collecting the exhaled breath from patients and applying cross-validation between our sensor and GC-MS. A database that will suggest clinical similarity and assist general diagnosis can be established. The expected outcomes of this three-year program include providing nanofibers with diameter below 50 nm using low-cost electrospinning technique and achieving VOCs sensitivity lower than 1 ppm. During the three years, a funding level of about 1,250,000 TWD per year is requested. We will publish 6 SCI papers (IF＞5.0) and 3 international conference papers, 6 domestic conference papers, and file 1 patent application. By the end of program, we will transfer our technology to industry for further development into commercial products.

Project ID:PB10907-3090
External Project ID:MOST109-2221-E182-059