Wellness Monitor via Human Skin Gases
Trace gases emitting from human skin surface has been
inviting considerable attentions as a potential non-invasive
biomarker of individual physical or physiological status.
These gases consist of ammonia, acetaldehyde, acetone
acetic acid and so on, are synthesized by internal
metabolism or bacterial activities on the surface. The
researchers have developed a novel human skin gas
sampler known as Passive Flux Sampler (PFS) that
monitors the health and wellness of its users. This
technology is a simple non-invasive monitoring device and
is suitable for non-medical professionals to get a quick
check on their wellness based on quantifying the gasses
emitted from the skin surface. The prototypes of the PFS
will be available for demonstration at the exhibitor's
booth.
Potential Applications
Some potential applications include:
Medical Application - Early detection of disease,
Monitoring of cure process
Daily Health Check - Alcohol checker, Stress indicator,
Detection of excess diet
Human Identification - Sensory human skin gas pattern
analysis
Customer Benefits
Technology Features & Specifications
1. The PFS is a simple device make up of a sampler body,
a trapping filter and stoppers which is easy to
manufacture at low cost.
2. When the PFS sampler is placed on the surface of skin,
it is able to collect the trace gaseous substance caused
by internal metabolism or bacterial activities on the
skin.
3. The collected gases are then identified and quantified
by various analytical methods such as colorimetric,
HPLC, GCMS, etc.
4. The composition of the gaseous substances acts as
potential non-invasive biomarker of individual physical
or physiological status of the user.
Features of the Passive Flux Sampler (PFS) include:
Alcohol Intake Detector - Acetaldehyde is well known as
a metabolite of ethyl alcohol. When
acetaldehyde aemanated from skin surface was measured
by PFS-HPLC method, the results showed the emission
fluxes of 8 volunteers varied after drinking with some
peaks even after 14 hours from the drinking.
• Non-invasive
Fasting Monitoring - Acetone is a member of ketone
bodies which are products of the metabolic reaction of
fatty acids when there is low blood glucose. Emission
fluxes of dermal acetone of two healthy volunteers were
measured by the PFS-HPLC method and markedly
influenced by the period of fasting.
• High-throughput
Fatigue Indicator - Ammonia is a product of the
metabolic reaction of protein. Since its emission is
enhanced by daily hard work or exercise, ammonia will be
a possible biomarker for fatigue. The researchers have
developed a colorimetric indicator which response to
ammonia gas with a color change from yellow to red.
• Simple
• Quantitative
• Easy-to-use measurements
Market Trends and Opportunities
The research team is seeking licensing or co-developing
partners to bring this technology to market.
For more information on technologies we have to offer, please visit our
website at https://www.ipi-singapore.org or enquire at
[email protected]
Deodorant Performance Evaluation- PFS is also used
for evaluation of the performance of deodorant applied to
minimize the body odor emanating from human skin
surface.