In a significant stride towards non-invasive medical diagnostics, a team of researchers at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has been granted a patent for developing an innovative breath-based sensor designed to detect diabetes by analyzing exhaled breath. The development signals a potential shift away from painful blood pricks towards more convenient and patient-friendly diagnostic methods.
🔬 The Innovation: Breath-Based Acetone Sensor
The patented device is a nano-engineered sensor system capable of identifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—particularly acetone—in the breath of individuals. Elevated levels of acetone are commonly associated with Type 1 and uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes. The sensor uses a ternary nanocomposite material, which reacts sensitively to trace concentrations of acetone in the exhaled breath, enabling real-time analysis.
The invention was led by Dr. Mohammad Zain Khan, Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Chemistry at AMU. His research team has focused on the development of cost-effective, portable, and non-invasive diagnostic tools. The breath sensor marks a significant departure from conventional methods of glucose monitoring that involve finger-prick blood sampling or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), which can be expensive and invasive.
🏥 Why This Matters
India has the second-highest number of diabetes patients in the world, with over 100 million diabetics and 136 million pre-diabetics, according to the ICMR-INDIAB study (2023). Early detection is critical, especially in rural or underserved areas where blood-testing infrastructure is minimal.
The breath-based sensor provides:
- Painless diagnosis
- Rapid results
- Lower risk of infection
- Ease of use for home-based monitoring
🧪 Scientific Details
The sensor works by detecting acetone molecules in exhaled breath using a functionalized carbon nanotube or ternary nanocomposite film, which shows changes in electrical conductivity upon acetone exposure. These signals are then interpreted using embedded electronics to determine diabetic status.
Key features:
- High sensitivity to low acetone concentrations (in ppm range)
- Selectivity against interfering gases
- Operates at room temperature
- Compact and energy-efficient design
đź“ś Patent Details and Recognition
The patent has been granted under the Indian Patent Act, recognizing the novelty and industrial applicability of the sensor. The device is expected to enter prototype validation and clinical testing stages in collaboration with medical institutes.
Dr. Khan has also filed international patent applications, and two additional Indian patents are under process. His work has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals and has earned recognition at several innovation showcases.
“Our goal is to make diabetes screening as simple as blowing into a device, especially for people in resource-poor settings,” said Dr. Khan.
🧠The Road Ahead
The AMU team is currently exploring partnerships for pilot-scale manufacturing, clinical trials, and potential commercialization. If successful, the device could significantly reduce the cost and burden of diabetes detection, not only in India but globally.
đź”— Related Links
- ICMR-INDIAB Diabetes Study Summary
- Aligarh Muslim University Official Website
- Google Patent – Breath-Based Sensor Technology
- World Health Organization – Diabetes
