VolTrac™ - The Tech | PPB-Level VOC Sensing Technology

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

🚀 NVIDIA Inception Program Member - Accelerating AI-Powered VOC Analysis 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.

The Core Principle: Chemi-resistive Arrays

At the heart of the VolTrac™ platform is a chemi-resistive sensor array. Unlike optical or mass-spectrometry methods which are often bulky and expensive, chemi-resistive sensors operate by measuring changes in electrical resistance when exposed to target gases.

Our sensors utilize conductive polymers and hybrid nano-materials as the sensing layer. When Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) interact with this layer—through adsorption, diffusion, or swelling—they alter the charge transport network within the polymer matrix. This results in a measurable change in electrical resistance.

🔍

Molecular Recognition

We functionalize polymers to be selectivity-biased towards specific chemical families (e.g., aldehydes, ketones, alkanes). While no single sensor is perfectly selective, an array of diverse sensors creates a unique "fingerprint" for complex mixtures.

🌡️

Room Temperature Operation

Unlike metal-oxide (MOX) sensors that require high temperatures (200°C–400°C), our organic polymer sensors operate effectively at room temperature. This drastically reduces power consumption and enables safe, portable wearables.

AI-Powered Pattern Recognition

Raw sensor data is just the beginning. The VolTrac™ platform employs sophisticated AI algorithms to interpret complex signals from the sensor array.

AI-Driven Analysis

Raw sensor data is just the beginning. The VolTrac™ platform employs sophisticated pattern recognition algorithms to interpret the complex signals from the sensor array.

Pattern Recognition: Our AI models analyze the collective response of the 8-sensor array to identify specific VOC signatures.
Drift Compensation: Algorithms compensate for environmental factors like humidity and temperature to ensure consistent accuracy.
Continuous Learning: As we collect more data from the field, our models are updated to improve sensitivity and specificity over time.

Hardware Specifications

The VolTrac™ sensor module is designed for compact, embedded applications, making it ideal for integration into medical devices, wearables, and environmental monitors.

Parameter	Specification
Sensor Module Dimensions	30 mm x 30 mm
Weight	4 g
Sensing Principle	Chemi-resistive (Hybrid Nano-polymers)
Array Size	8-16 Sensors
Sensitivity	Up to 0.1 PPB
Operating Temperature	268K - 318K (Room Temperature)
Measurement Window	~15 seconds
Stability	Up to 1500 cycles (10% drop)
Readout Interface	Voltage Divider / ADC to Microcontroller
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

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 2-phenyl 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 0.1 PPB, enabling the sensor to capture even the most minute VOC concentrations. Stability is another of its impressive traits, demonstrating resilience through up to 1500 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 0.1 ppb
Stability: Upto 1500 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

Set up an on-site incubation centre at Malabar Cancer Centre (MCC), Thalassery, and initiated clinical validation of the medical device for Lung Cancer screening.

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 1 PPB 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 0.1 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 2-phenyl 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.

VolTrac™, History at a glance

A quick view of how VolTrac™ has evolved across sensor performance, IP milestones and real-world deployments.

Sensors & Performance

2019 Dec – VolTrac™ research programme launched.
2021 Dec – First 1 cm² sensor prototype built.
2022 May – Chemically stable VOC sensor head fabricated.
2022 Aug – 100 ppb detection in controlled facility.
2023 Mar – Multi-channel VOC sensor array validated in lab.
2023 Jul – 9 new sensor heads across key domains.
2023 Sep – 10 ppb room-temperature sensitivity demonstrated.
2023 Dec – Sensor heads with improved transient responses.
2024 Jul – 17+ domain-specific sensor heads across VOC spaces.
2024 Oct – Sub-ppb sensitivity demonstrated under ambient conditions.
2024 Dec – 20+ sensor heads covering wider VOC panel.

IP & Recognition

2022 Nov – Patent application for VolTrac™ filed.
2024 May – International patent application submitted.
2024 Jun – Indian patent for VolTrac™ technology granted.
2025 May – Regional patents filed: USA, EU, UK, UAE, Australia.
2025 Oct – National media spotlight on 90-second VolTrac™ breath screening.

Clinical & Ecosystem

2019 Dec – Clinical translation set as long-term VolTrac™ goal.
2024 Mar – Pharma collaboration for TB, COPD and asthma pilots.
2025 Jan – Connected prototype enables field and early clinical pilots.
2025 Mar – 10-sensor prototypes prepared for multi-site hospital trials.
2025 Jul – 18-sensor prototypes prepared for trials.
2025 Sep – Connected prototype with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi rolled out.
2025 Oct – Different foam factors (Hand-held, Bench-top, Wall-mount) rolled out to enable different usecases.
2025 Nov – MCC incubation for OBA-L™ and DeTecX™-BF deployments.