Breath-based pneumonia diagnostic using synthetic breath biomarkers and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (Conference Presentation)

Pediatric pneumonia requires a rapid diagnostic technique that does not rely on sputum production. Recently engineered breath biomarkers that release infection-specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) upon inhalation present an opportunity for breath-based diagnostics, but mass spectroscopy-based detection limits use at the point-of-need. We have developed a breath-based detection scheme with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and gas-capturing tubes. Conducting area scans across SERS substrates using a 50x confocal microscope, we report detection in micromolar range concentrations of representative VOCs in breath samples. With advancements in portable Raman, this design proves promising for rapid, automated diagnosis at the point-of-care.