The Voltrac VOC Sensor

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 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 10 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.