Nanosensor array for medical diagnoses
Inventors
Assignees
National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
Publication Number
US-10566089-B1
Publication Date
2020-02-18
Expiration Date
2032-12-21
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Abstract
A method for sensing presence of at least one specified chemical component in a patient's sample gas, associated with a disease (or medical condition), and for associating presence of the disease with presence of the specified chemical component concentration in an identified concentration range. Pattern matching is applied to identify one or more specified components that are present in the sample gas. Measured electrical parameter values (EPVs) for each nanosensor are modeled by constitutive relations dependent on a polynomial of powers of component concentrations. The EPV models are used to estimate component concentrations for the differently functionalized nanosensors. Estimated concentrations are averaged over the sensors to provide an overall concentration value for each surviving specified component. These overall concentration values are compared with concentration ranges associated, to estimate presence or absence of a disease or medical condition.
Core Innovation
This invention relates to a method and system for detecting the presence of an identified set of biomarkers associated with certain diseases or medical conditions by using an array of nanostructures. Each sub-array of nanostructures is functionalized to be sensitive to one or more specified chemical components (biomarkers) in a sample gas, such as exhaled breath. The system employs pattern recognition and constitutive relations modeling the electrical parameter values of the sensors as dependent on polynomial functions of the component concentrations to identify and quantify the specified components.
The method addresses the problem of existing biomarker detection techniques, which are often complex, time-consuming, and not always specifically indicative of a single disease. There is a need for a simple, rapid (about 60 seconds), quantitatively specific method that can identify particular diseases or medical conditions with minimal chemical or physical tests, capable of detecting biomarkers at concentrations down to a few parts per billion.
Claims Coverage
The claims include one independent system claim describing the overall sensor array and analytical system, and one independent system claim describing the analyzer and method steps for detecting specified components in a sample gas. The main inventive features focus on the configuration of a nanostructure sensor array and the analytical processing to determine presence and concentration of biomarkers associated with diseases.
Nanostructure sensor array with distinct electrical response patterns
A plurality of nanostructure sensors disposed on substrates, each providing a different sequence of electrical parameter values when exposed to a sample gas over time, enabling differential sensitivity to biomarkers.
Analyzer system performing normalization, comparison, and weighted aggregation
An analyzer system configured to receive electrical parameter sequences, generate normalized amplitude values, compare these to reference values of specified components, aggregate compared values by a weighted summation, and determine the likely presence of specified components in the sample gas.
Differential functionalization of nanostructure sensors
Nanostructure sensors are differently functionalized, for example by doping with Pt or Pd, to provide differential sensitivity to particular specified components, enhancing specificity in detection.
Use of polynomial constitutive relations for concentration estimation
Analyzing reference sample gases with known concentrations to determine linear or quadratic relationships between concentration and electrical parameter values, enabling the estimation of concentration of specified components in the patient sample.
Diagnosis determination based on concentration ranges associated with diseases
Determining diagnosis of disease or medical condition by comparing estimated concentration values of specified components to predetermined concentration ranges associated with particular diseases, such as asthma or acute lung injury.
Sensor array refresh methodology
Refreshing the nanostructure sensor array by exposure to ultraviolet light from LEDs for durations of 1 to 100 seconds to enable repeated measurements.
The claims cover a sensor system with multiple functionally distinct nanostructure sensors providing unique electrical responses to biomarkers, an analytical process normalizing and comparing these responses to references, estimation of concentrations via polynomial models, and diagnostic decisions based on these concentrations, with sensor refresh capability enhancing practical usability.
Stated Advantages
The system requires no more than about 60 seconds to complete analysis.
It achieves quantitative specificity for identification of particular diseases or medical conditions.
A minimal number of chemical or physical tests can be performed simultaneously or sequentially.
The sensor array is able to detect biomarkers at concentrations down to a few parts per billion.
The sensors are robust, long-lasting (at least three years), and can operate under high vibration environments.
Sensor measurements can be compensated for varying ambient temperature, humidity, and pressure.
The nanosensor arrays have high sensitivity due to high area density of nanostructures, allowing detection of very low concentrations of biomarkers.
Documented Applications
Medical diagnosis via analysis of a patient's exhaled breath or similar vapors associated with the patient's body.
Testing of other sample types such as headspace from urine or blood samples and aromas from the skin or ear for disease diagnosis.
Detection of specific diseases including asthma (via NO detection), diabetes (via acetone detection), and acute lung injury (via isoprene detection).
Use in a portable system integrated with a cell phone or smart device for real-time diagnosis and data transmission to healthcare providers.
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