Abstract
M.Sc. (Nanoscience)
Cancer has been and is still of great interest and a disease that draws researcher’s attention. Exhaled breath biomarkers are a promising solution for early detection of lung cancer on its early developmental stages. The analysis of specific Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath give insight of metabolic and physiological activities of an individual. Application of nanoscience using metals oxides and polymer nanocomposites through gas sensing is an interesting research path that brings cost-effectiveness and fast results using the non-invasive route for the detection of biomarkers. This mode of detection was employed for the detection of lung cancer exhaled breath biomarkers. This study aimed at developing polymer-metal-oxide-nanocomposites based sensors of high sensitivity and tuneable selectivity towards specific targeted lung cancer VOC biomarkers to improve the detection methods for lung cancer VOCs. Materials such as Manganese dioxide, Titanium dioxide and Tin dioxide, carbon nanoparticles and polymer nanocomposite based Volatile Organic Compounds sensors were utilized. Synthesized materials were characterized using BET, SEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Sensors were fabricated by solution mixing method of metal-oxide, carbon nanoparticles and a biopolymer to produce a nanocomposite. The prepared nanocomposites were drop-casted onto electrodes and dried under room temperature. Prepared sensors were tested on VOCs 2-Hexanal, Hexanal and Dodecane. Overall, our result suggested the sensors were responsible for lung cancer VOCs.