Exhaled breath drug detection using differential mobility spectrometry

Project Summary: This proposal seeks to expand upon breath analysis technology that is being actively studied as the focus of NIHgrant #6R42DA049655-02 and leverage this technology for rapid COVID-19 diagnostics. There is a dire needfor sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for COVID-19 that can be performed quickly. The differential mobilityspectrometry (DMS) breath analysis technology currently under investigation for drug detection may be adaptedto fill this void.During this supplement we will perform a biomarker discovery effort to determine the exhaled breath molecularspecies most suitable for use as a COVID-19 biomarker. Once a target species has been identified, methods ofcapture that can be implemented within the safety paradigm governing COVID-19 testing will be investigated.We will also initiate conversation with the FDA and develop an FDA approval strategy to expedite the deploymentof a future breath based COVID-19 diagnostic instrument based upon the technology being studied under thisadministrative supplement's parent grant.