Photonic Sensors for Detection of VOC Biomarkers : Technological Principles and Medical Applications

VOCs available in exhaled human breath are the products of metabolic activity in the body and, therefore, any changes in their control level can be utilized to diagnose specific diseases. More than 1000 VOCs have been identified in exhaled human breath along with the respiratory droplets which provide rich information on overall health conditions. This book cover the introductory information on VOCs, their source in the human body, associated diseases, potential sensing materials used for selective detection, and the advancement in their sensing technology. These VOCs offer great potential as a biomarker for a disease that can be sampled non-invasively from exhaled breath with breath biopsy. However, it is still a great challenge to develop a rapid responsive, highly selective, and sensitive VOC-sensing system. This book analyzes all the challenges and their possible solutions that can be used to achieve target-specific detection and real-time monitoring of the VOC molecules in the exhaled breath. It also covers a detailed discussion of all the sensing materials developed for selective and sensitive detection of VOC molecules and their integration with photonic devices in order to develop miniature technology. It covers various miniature sensing systems that are being exploited in VOC sensing such as interferometer, Bragg grating, microstructured fiber, 3D printed optical sensing systems, etc. The book will also provide an overview of the FEM technique and computation methods used to optimize the optical sensing devices before their practical realization. Photonic sensors for detection of VOC biomarkers aims to provide comprehensive information to early career professionals and boost their existing knowledge in the area of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering.