TWO SENSOR DEVICES, ONE ENVIRONMENTAL SENSOR AND A BIOMARKER SENSOR
Two sensor devices, one environmental sensor and a biomarker sensor, flexible in terms of targeted pollutants and biomarkers
The environmental sensor
“As part of the EU project REMEDIA, we developed a wearable “Environmental Toolbox” – a compact sensor system designed to measure key air pollutants in the environment. This portable device, worn on the arm, captures data on temperature, humidity, particulate matter (PM), gases (O₃, SO₂, CO, NO₂, eCO₂, and eVOCs), light intensity, sound levels, and location via GPS (which can be disabled to ensure privacy).
Based on a thorough literature review, relevant sensors were selected, adapted where necessary, and calibrated. Following laboratory testing with an initial stationary prototype, a miniaturized, battery-powered mobile version was developed and validated under realistic conditions in a challenge chamber. Data are recorded on an SD card, and users can control when to start and stop measurements, ensuring ease of use and privacy.
The device housing was optimized for durability and measurement accuracy. Extensive usability tests and a detailed user manual ensure straightforward operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Sufficient demonstrators were produced and used during the clinical part of the REMEDIA study in Hanover and Paris. Long-term performance and reliability have been confirmed by project partners in Paris and Patras through extended validation tests.”
The biomarker sensor
Within Remedia, we have developed a biosensor system that detects a set of molecular biomarkers for cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronical obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in exhaled breath condensate EBC. The markers hexanal (Hex), 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), and human neutrophil elastase (HNE) were selected on basis of a literature study and input by the medical partners of the Remedia consortium.
The sensor instrument uses the impedimetric detection principle and hosts multi-electrode chips that measure the concentration of the three markers simultaneously within less than 1 hour. The chips feature also a neutral channel to correct the data for non-specific electrode fouling. To detect the three biomarkers selectively, we have developed molecularly imprinted polymers as recognition elements (used as electrode coatings) for Hex and 3-NT, as well as aptamers for HNE. In all cases, the limit of detection is a concentration of 10 pM and the upper quantifiable concentrations are at least a decade above the physiological range. The calibration curves can be found along this LINK.
The biosensor system, which was fabricated in triplicate for the patient studies, features an integrated temperature stabilization to be operational outside a laboratory environment. Along with this, we have developed a low-cost, but highly efficient condenser unit that collects ca. 1.5 – 2.0 mL of EBC in just 5 minutes during tidal breathing; this volume is several times the sample size required for biosensor analysis. All details on the EBC condenser can be found in the following publication: https://doi.org/10.1002/adsr.202400020
Helpful ressources:
- Scientific articles:
- Access to the Biosensor:
Email patrickhermann.wagner@kuleuven.be - Data:
Leader and co-leader:
Contacts:
Gerhard Pohlmann
Patrick Wagner
Target users: Scientists, Patients and general public