Detection of Lung Cancer Bio-markers in Human Breath Using a Micro-fabricated Air Analyzer

The analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are linked to lung cancer is a very promising way in medical diagnostics because it is non-invasive and potentially inexpensive. In that sense, a silicon micro-analytical platform consisting of a three-dimensional micro-preconcentrator coupled to a silicon spiral gas chromatographic micro-column was built. A metal oxide-based gas sensor acted as a miniaturized gas detector. This system allowed selective detection of VOCs at the sub-ppm level. The present study is focused first on the chromatographic air analyzer fabrication and second on the selection of an appropriate adsorbent. Various adsorbents such as activated carbon microspheres and zeolites were then studied in order to identify the best material for the concentration of one representative lung cancer biomarker: toluene.