UCA scientist develops ”electronic nose” to detect airborne toxins

University of California (UCA) professor, Nosang Myung, has developed an ”electronic nose” prototype to help in detection of miniature quantities of airborne toxins.

Manufactured by Nano Engineered Applications, the 4inchx7inch prototype is expected to have significant applications in detection of chemical warfare agents, gas leaks, combustion emissions, pesticide levels, and can also be used by homeland security warning systems for bio-terrorism.

The prototype’s core is Myung’s nanosensor array, which employs very thin, functionalised carbon nanotubes to detect harmful airborne chemicals down to the level of parts per billion.

A computer chip, USB ports, temperature and humidity sensors are also present in the prototype, which is designed for use as a handheld device, a wearable device or in a smart phone, depending upon the application.

A GPS device and Bluetooth unit equipped version 2 of the prototype is scheduled for release within a month by the company, which is currently writing software to reduce the device down to the size of a credit card, to enable its multi-channel sensor to detect up to eight toxins.

Myung said, ”This is a really important step. The prototype clearly shows that our research at the university has applications in industry.”

Nano Engineered Applications president Steve Abbott said the company was looking to collaborate with other firms with an aim to release a marketable product within a year.

The device is initially scheduled to be commercialised on the industrial side for monitoring gas and toxin leaks and emissions.