Laser-Based Odor Analysis for Non-Invasive Medical Diagnostics

Many diseases alter the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the body. For early and non-invasive diagnosis, these characteristic odor signatures must be detected quickly, sensitively, and reliably. Laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy (LPAS), for example, analyzes breath samples or swabs from the nose, navel, or ear without the need for complex sample preparation. Broadly tunable mid-IR lasers and a highly sensitive optical cantilever sensor enable selective measurements down to the ppt range. This measurement system lays the foundation for compact and cost-effective diagnostic systems that can, for example, support the early detection of Parkinson’s disease or COVID-19. Fraunhofer IIS develops customized hardware and software solutions for various applications in diagnostics and early detection. These are adapted to the specific requirements for sample feeding, sensor technology, data evaluation, and system integration, and are evaluated in subject studies.

The technology is aimed at medical device manufacturers as well as research and development partners in the healthcare sector. Thanks to its high sensitivity, the selection of different wavelengths, and its miniaturizable design, the system can be adapted to various biomarkers and application settings. The technology offers potential for various diagnostic applications:

• Analysis of disease-specific odor signatures to support the early detection of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or infections such as COVID-19
• Rapid analysis of breath samples or swabs in doctors’ offices and long-term care facilities
• Future prospects: Analysis using compact devices in the home environment