Development of next generation of breath collection systems

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Non-invasive, hand-held diagnostics inspire this Discovery Grant application. My vision is to develop breath test science to the point of routine application. To that end, we conduct research at multiple levels, from the systematic creation of robust sampling and data processing methodologies to diagnostic device innovation to the evaluation of markers and devices in human and animal clinical trials. Our primary application areas are in the respiratory infection detection area, where we have developed samplers for humans and animals, created the first few generations of data processing approaches, innovated around analytical instrumentation, discovered biomarkers for many common pathogens, generated insights into the origins of the biomarkers, and are conducting clinical validation studies. The focus of this proposal is the development of next generation systems for breath science. First, we will (1) validate next-generation systems for breath science, specifically developing a field-first core breath index for human as well as critical lab animals (mice and non-human primates). This list can be used to evaluate breath science innovations (e.g., evaluation of new technology), harmonizing data between research groups, baseline variance measurements in diseased animals, and so on. We will also test and validate low-flow, easy-to-integrate breath samplers for use in laboratory or clinical applications for humans and animals. These devices will produce reliable breath samples for biomarker discovery and validation. The will have novel sample cartridges that allow for direct integration into analytical instrumentation. Second, we will (2) develop micro-analytical systems for breath analysis. We will test and validate pre-microconcentrators for micro-analytical devices. Here, we will focus on the optimization of adsorption matrices, with a focus on trace molecule retention and release as well as develop a methodology for purging water from the device. We will also focus on effective integration of the pre-microconcentrator into two micro-analytical systems. The resulting micro-analytical systems will then be ready for field testing in human, animal, or other research scenarios. 2 PhD, 2 MS, and 4-6 undergraduates will be trained in data science, analytical chemistry, instrumentation engineering, and breath science on this award.