Tuberculosis Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Detection Using Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube- Zinc Oxide (MWCNT-ZnO) Nanofiber: A Chemiresistive Biosensor

The analysis of VOCs present in exhaled breath provides an opportunity to a medical technique which is noninvasive, label-free & suitable for point-of-care (POC) applications. Utilizing sensor technology to identify specific volatile organic biomarkers (VOBs) provides a straightforward and efficient means for early detection of pulmonary or other illnesses. This research highlights the utilization of MWCNTZinc Oxide composite nanofibers, which have been functionalized on electroplated copper electrodes, for the detection of vapours related to tuberculosis (TB). Preliminary studies suggest that the MWCNT-ZnO material exhibits a favourable binding affinity with TB-VOBs. The amperometric testing results indicate that copper electrodes, which have been functionalized with MWCNT-ZnO are able to detect four TB VOBs: Methyl P-anisate, Methyl Phenylacetate, O-phenyl anisole, and Methyl Nicotinate. VOBs are derived from chemical mimics that are dissolved in ethanol and applied to the sensor by drop-casting them onto the fabricated IDE sensor. The results also indicate that the sensor's response to ethanol commonly present in human breath is minimal compared to its response to biomarkers in the same testing conditions.