Diabetes affects millions of Americans, many of whom are unaware that they have the condition. Scientists at Penn State University have developed a breath sensor that can detect diabetes and prediabetes within minutes by measuring acetone levels, rather than relying on expensive and time-consuming laboratory tests. The sensor is made from laser-induced graphene and zinc oxide, is lightweight, and cost-effective, designed to overcome challenges such as breath humidity.
In the U.S., one in five of the 37 million adults with diabetes are unaware of their condition. Currently, methods for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes typically require visits to a doctor’s office or laboratory tests, both of which are costly and time-consuming. Now, diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes could be as simple as breathing.A research team led by Huanyu “Larry” Cheng and Penn State’s Memorial Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics, James L. Henderson, Jr., has developed a sensor that can help diagnose diabetes and prediabetes within minutes using breath samples. Their findings were published in the Journal of Chemical Engineering.Previous diagnostic methods typically used glucose in blood or sweat, but this sensor detects acetone levels in breath. While everyone has acetone, a byproduct of fat burning, in their breath, levels exceeding a threshold of 1.8 ppm indicate diabetes.Cheng states, “While we have sensors that can detect glucose in sweat, this requires us to induce sweating through exercise, chemicals, or saunas, which is not always practical or convenient. This sensor only requires you to breathe into a bag, immerse the sensor in it, and wait a few minutes to see the results.”Cheng notes that there are other breath analysis sensors, but the biomarkers they detect require laboratory analysis. Acetone can be detected and read on-site, making the new sensor cost-effective and convenient.In addition to using acetone as a biomarker, Cheng mentions that the novelty of the sensor also lies in its design and materials—primarily laser-induced graphene. To create this material, a CO2 laser is used to burn carbon-containing materials, such as polyimide films in this study, to create a patterned porous graphene with the large defects needed for sensing.Cheng explains, “It’s like burning bread too long until it turns black. By adjusting laser parameters such as power and speed, we can bake the polyimide into a few-layer porous graphene form.”The researchers used laser-induced graphene because it is highly porous, meaning it allows gases to pass through. This characteristic increases the chances of capturing gas molecules, as breath contains a relatively high concentration of moisture. However, on its own, laser-induced graphene lacks sufficient selectivity for acetone and needs to be combined with zinc oxide.Cheng states, “The connection formed between these two materials enhances the selective detection of acetone over other molecules.”Another challenge is that the sensor’s surface can also absorb water molecules since breath is humid, and water molecules may compete with the target acetone molecules. To address this issue, the researchers introduced a selective membrane or moisture barrier that blocks water but allows acetone to permeate through the layer.Cheng mentions that currently, this method requires a person to breathe directly into a bag to avoid interference from environmental airflow and other factors. The next step is to improve the sensor so that it can be used directly under the nose or attached inside a mask, as gases can be detected in exhaled breath. He also plans to explore how to use acetone detection in breath sensors to optimize personal health plans.Cheng concludes, “If we can better understand how acetone levels in breath change with diet and exercise, just as we see fluctuations in glucose levels depending on what and when a person eats, it would be an exciting opportunity to use it for health applications beyond diabetes diagnosis.”This work at Penn State University was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Li Yang is the first author, and he was a visiting scholar in the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics at Penn State during the research. A complete list of funding and authors can be found in the paper.
Focusing on Pancreatic Cancer: Taking Control of Cancer Prevention
Your dedicated cancer information station “Pancreatic Cancer Vanguard”
Pancreatic cancer is known as the “king of cancers”, with its insidious onset, rapid progression, and poor prognosis, placing a heavy burden on patients and families. However, proactive prevention, early screening, and scientific intervention can provide pancreatic cancer patients with more survival opportunities and better quality of life.
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As a health-conscious group in contemporary society, we should emphasize comprehensive management of pancreatic cancer:
01
Early Screening
Due to the subtle early symptoms of pancreatic cancer, many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therefore, conducting early screening for high-risk populations is crucial. This includes individuals with a family history of hereditary pancreatic cancer, long-term smoking and drinking, and chronic pancreatitis. Advanced imaging examinations and tumor marker tests should be employed to detect traces of pancreatic cancer as early as possible.
02
Precision Treatment
With continuous advancements in medicine, the treatment of pancreatic cancer has entered the era of precision medicine. Genetic testing technologies can help doctors gain deeper insights into the tumor characteristics of patients, allowing for the development of personalized treatment plans, such as targeted therapy and emerging immunotherapies, bringing new hope to patients and improving treatment outcomes and quality of life.
03
Postoperative Rehabilitation
For pancreatic cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment, the postoperative rehabilitation process is equally critical. This includes wound care, functional exercises, and nutritional support. Scientific rehabilitation guidance helps patients quickly restore bodily functions, reduce complications, and promote overall recovery.
04
Diet and Nutrition
What dietary practices should be avoided for pancreatic cancer? Which foods are beneficial for recovery? What “anti-cancer foods” have scientists discovered? Additionally, patients often face issues such as loss of appetite and digestive absorption difficulties during treatment, leading to malnutrition. Proper nutritional support is crucial for patients’ treatment tolerance and recovery process. Scientific dietary guidance and nutritional therapy plans help patients maintain good nutritional status, enhance bodily resistance, and better cope with cancer treatment.
05
Pain Management
Pancreatic cancer patients often suffer from pain, severely affecting their quality of life. Effective pain management can alleviate patients’ suffering, improve their psychological state and sleep quality, and enhance their quality of life and confidence in fighting cancer.
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