Accubits | Invent

PPB level VOC Sensing with The Voltrac Sensor

Revolutionizing VOC sensing with highly sensitive and selective sensors that offer low-cost, low-power, and seamless integration.

The Voltrac VOC Sensor

Every living organism emits VOCs, unique markers of their physiological state, serving as a chemical dialogue between species. This chemical language provides insights into biological processes at a granular level. To harness this data, it's essential to discern multiple volatiles at sub-ppm concentrations and identify distinct molecular fingerprints corresponding to each state. We can precisely gauge an organism's condition by funneling this data into AI algorithms.

Project Voltrac is at the forefront of this endeavor, pioneering the development of cost-effective, energy-efficient VOC sensors that boast high sensitivity, unparalleled selectivity, and robust stability. These seamlessly blend with current technologies. Central to our innovation is a chemo-resistive detection method, complemented by our unique sensor head preparation— a combo that's scalable and prime for miniaturization.

Sensor Specifications

Here are the technical specifications, applications, and use cases of the Voltrac VOC sensor.

01 Sensitivity
02 Selectivity
03 Method
04 Applications

Selectivity

The Voltrac sensor is designed to detect VOCs with unparalleled precision, showcasing an impressive selectivity against compounds such as ethanol, methanol, acetone, toluene, and cis-3-hexenyl acetate. Leveraging our advanced nanotechnology capabilities, the technology functions structurally and functionally to ensure selectivity. For instance, our 2PE sensor is calibrated to detect only its intended analyte with high sensitivity, remaining unresponsive even to structurally similar compounds by a margin of 1%. This means that the 2phenyl ethanol sensor will recognize its target VOC exclusively while disregarding closely related VOCs like ethanol or methanol. Such meticulous precision paves the way for its broad application spectrum, ensuring consistent reliability and pinpoint accuracy in detection across various domains.

Method

Chemiresistive gas detection technology is used to pinpoint and quantify specific Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. Central to this technology is observing electrical resistance fluctuations in a sensitive material when it encounters a designated VOC. This process is underpinned by the inherent ability of certain materials to undergo chemical alterations when they engage with specific molecules. As these target molecules adhere to the sensor's surface, the sensor transforms, leading to either an escalation or reduction in its electrical conductivity. Crucially, this shift in conductivity is directly proportional to the VOC's concentration, facilitating precise detection and quantification. A slew of benefits accompany this technology: its heightened sensitivity, swift response rate, minimal power drain, and affordability stand out. Additionally, the adaptable nature of these sensors makes them perfect candidates for assimilation into handheld devices, ensuring their aptness for both fixed and on-the-go monitoring endeavors.

Applications

The Voltrac sensor, with its advanced technological features, has a myriad of real-world applications that promise to revolutionize numerous sectors. In food and agriculture, it can monitor perishables like fruits, vegetables, and packed foods, ensuring their quality and safety for consumption. Its precision is invaluable in the healthcare sector, particularly in developing human breath sensors. With its capability, diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, diabetes, and chronic kidney diseases can be detected in their early stages, potentially saving lives and reducing healthcare costs. The sensor's compatibility with wearables promises continuous health monitoring, making preventative healthcare a tangible reality for many.

Sensitivity

As per the latest evaluations, the Voltrac sensor sensitivity has reached 10 PPB, enabling the sensor to capture even the most minute VOC concentrations. Stability is another of its impressive traits, demonstrating resilience through up to 20 cycles with only a minimal 10% drop. This performance is maintained within an operating temperature range of 268K to 318K, making it versatile for diverse environments. This precision ensures its application across various fields, promising reliability and detection accuracy.

Sensitivity: Upto 12 ppb
Stability: Upto 20 cycles (10% drop).
Operating temperature: 268K- 318K.

Precise detection and quantification
Swift response rate
Minimal power drain
Low production cost

Monitoring of perishables
Human breath sensors
Wearable integration
Detection of plant stress
Identification of Mother Trees
Air quality monitoring

Latest Research Update

The Voltrac Sensor attained a detection level of 10 PPB under ambient room conditions and was further tested at 30 degrees, ensuring its performance remained consistent even when exposed.

Key Usecases

Some of the straight forward use-cases of the Voltrac sensor are as follows;

Monitoring of perishables

Gauges the freshness and quality of food and other perishable goods.

Human breath sensors

Analyzes human exhalation for signs of health conditions or anomalies.

Wearable integration

Incorporates into wearables to provide real-time environmental or health insights.

Detection of plant stress

Identifies early signs of plant distress or disease.

Identification of Mother Trees

Pinpoints primary, nurturing trees in a forest network.

Air quality monitoring

Assesses environmental air conditions for pollutants or hazards.

Identification of plant-microbe interactions

Analyzes the symbiotic relationships between plants and microorganisms.

Pheromone sensor

Detects specific chemical signals emitted by organisms, signaling various behaviors or states.

The importance of sensitivity and selectivity

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are like the alphabets in the language of life. It transmits vital information that can only be deciphered with the right tools. This is where the dual importance of sensitivity and selectivity in VOC sensors comes to the fore.

Sensitivity refers to the sensor's capability to detect even minuscule amounts of a specific compound in a given medium. Quantified in units such as Parts Per Million (PPM) or Parts Per Billion (PPB), sensitivity essentially gauges the sensor's efficiency in recognizing the presence of a target compound amidst a plethora of others. For instance, a sensor boasting a sensitivity of 1PPB can identify the presence of one target compound even if surrounded by a billion other molecules. Voltrac's VOC sensor, with its sensitivity set at 10 PPB, stands as a testament to cutting-edge technology, especially when compared with alternative market options that only offer a sensitivity of 80 PPM. This heightened sensitivity ensures that even the most subtle biological signals aren't missed, allowing for an intricate understanding of life's many communications.

Selectivity, on the other hand, revolves around a sensor's proficiency in differentiating between diverse analytes. Simply put, a highly selective sensor can discern between closely related compounds, ensuring it responds only to its intended target. This discernment becomes particularly critical when dealing with complex biological systems wherein numerous VOCs might coexist. Leveraging advanced nanotechnology, our sensors are engineered to achieve this structurally and functionally selectively. A prime example is our 2phenyl ethanol sensor, designed to detect its target VOC exclusively and adeptly sidestep any interference from structurally analogous compounds like ethanol, methanol, or acetone.

When interfacing with biology, where the stakes are high and the language intricate, sensors must be acutely sensitive to pick up even the faintest whispers of VOCs and very selective to accurately interpret the said signals without confusion.

Research Updates

2023 December

More sensor heads

Expanded the domains with the addition of more sensor heads. Improved the reusability and established with transient studies.

2023 September

10 PPB Sensitivity

Achieved 10 PPB detection level at room conditions. Tested the sensor head at 30 degrees and in room conditions under exposed conditions.

2023 July

More sensor heads

Successfully fabricated 9 more individual sensor heads by replicating the process across multiple domains of VOCs. The sensor heads are designed to cater to domains like EQM, Health, Pheromone detection, perishability, etc.

2023 March

Sensor Array

Sensor array design and testing were performed. The team designed a sensor array and tested simultaneous multiple VOC detection using a relay circuit.

2022 Nov

Patent Application

The sensor technology is patented, reference number 202241064949.

2022 August

100 PPB Sensitivity

Achieved 100 PPB level detection in a controlled environment. The testing was conducted at a testing facility (Operated by the Gov. of India) in a controlled condition, devoid of moisture, dust, and any interferences.)

2022 May

Sensor Fabrication

A chemically stable sensor head was fabricated with the desired thickness and surface properties.

2021 December

Sensor development

The sensor prototype was successfully developed and achieved the size requirement of 1 sq. cm

2019 December

Research Commenced

Research started with a team of 6 researchers under the leadership of Dr. Nidhin Sreekumar.