A ZnO-Based Automated Electronic Nose for VOCs Detection with High-Sensitivity Modulated Front-End Electronics

A new electronic nose for early detection of prostate cancer from urine samples is proposed. The prototype comprises a sampling system, a gas-sensor chamber and an electronic front-end, amplification and acquisition system. The e-nose consists of metal-oxide-based semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors, custom tailored for this application combining commercial and non-commercial (ZnO-based) active layers. The latter are newly developed using inkjet printing on an alumina substrate, further patterned with platinum tracks that also implement a heating element to optimize the sensor operation. The developed system is tested with calibrants, showing a sensitivity as low as ~5 ppb. After sensors installation in the chamber, the full e-nose operation is demonstrated in laboratory environment.