IIT Jodhpur Researchers Develop First "Make in India" Alcohol Detection Breath Sensor

New Delhi: Researchers from IIT Jodhpur have introduced India's first alcohol detection breath sensor under the "Make in India" initiative. The sensor uses metal oxides and nanosilicon and operates effectively at room temperature. 

Initially designed for assessing alcohol levels in drunk driving cases, the sensor has been enhanced by modifying sensing layers and incorporating a sensor array resembling an Electronic or Artificial Nose. 

With the integration of data analytics, its applications have expanded to include diagnosing conditions such as asthma, diabetic ketoacidosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and cardiac arrest by monitoring volatile organic compounds in the breath.

This research received funding from the Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG), Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), and the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

IIT Jodhpur Cost-Effective Breath VOC Sensor for Health Monitoring

Growing concerns regarding the harmful impact of air pollution on human health and the environment increased the necessity for a rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive health monitoring device. 

Existing sensors primarily rely on fuel cell-based or metal oxide technologies. In response to this demand, researchers from IIT Jodhpur were motivated to develop a breath Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sensor that offers greater cost-effectiveness compared to devices based on fuel cell technology.

Subsequently, the research team designed a breath monitoring sensor incorporating partially reduced graphene oxide. This research was carried out by Mr. Nikhil Vadera, a PhD student at IDRP- Smart Healthcare, IIT Jodhpur and Dr. Saakshi Dhanekar, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Jodhpur. Their findings were published in IEEE Sensors Letters.

Informing about the development, Dr. Saakshi Dhanekar, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Jodhpur said, “Continued research and development in these directions could lead to the practical implementation of the breath diagnostics in various fields, ranging from healthcare and wellness to wearable technology and IoT applications. The output of the sensors can be connected to Raspberry Pi and the data can be sent to a doctor or phone.” 

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