Description

Volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis is an innovative method for collecting in-depth clinical data on certain biochemical processes in the human body. These VOCs can serve as potential biomarkers for a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions, particularly those associated with chronic diseases such as asthma, Crohn's disease, and kidney failure. Respiratory VOC analysis, a reliable, non-invasive, and rapid biomonitoring approach, offers potential for the early detection and monitoring of the progression of these chronic inflammatory diseases. This type of analysis could significantly transform the management of these conditions by improving patients' quality of life, especially by reducing the intensity of invasive treatments and the associated costs. The 'CELEST-IA' thesis topic proposes the development of a diagnostic and monitoring tool capable of providing an initial, effective, and cost-efficient solution for the detection and quantification of biomarkers. Based on surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor technology, our solution integrates artificial intelligence algorithms using unsupervised learning approaches. The goal is to develop a commercial tool capable of extracting and interpreting complex VOC signatures to provide personalized analysis, paving the way for non-invasive clinical monitoring.

Skills required

Organique electronics surface Chimistry Surface acoustique Wave Prototyping PCB routing Data analysis

Bibliography

1. H. Xiong et al, “Recent advances in biosensors detecting biomarkers from exhaled breath and saliva for respiratory disease diagnosis“, Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Vol 267, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2024.116820.
2. X. Chen et al “Gas sensing properties of surface acoustic wave NH3 gas sensor based on Pt doped polypyrrole sensitive film” Sensors and Actuators
B: Chemical, pp 364-369, vol 177, 10.1016/j.snb.2012.10.120
3. A. Westrelin, N. Abdallah, P. Debavelear, M. Lefevbre, K. Lmimouni, O.Stienne, B. Hafsi “Design and Fabrication Of Multiplexed One-Port SAW Resonators On A Single Chip” https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2506.13788
4. L. Routier, A. Westrelin, A. Cerveaux, G. Louis, T. Holach, P. Foulon, S. Pecqueur, K. Lmimouni, B. Hafsi “Single-point calibration process based integrated electrical impedance analyzer for multi-selective gas detection”. Discov Appl Sci 6, 403 (2024), doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-06102-x.
5. N. Abdallah, A.Westrelin, P. Debavelear, M. Lefevbre, S.Hamade, O. Stienne, B. Hafsi “Electrochemically Tunable PEDOT:PSS Film for Surface Acoustic Wave-Based Humidity Sensing”, Organic Electronics, Volume 155, 2026, 107430, ISSN 1566-1199, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orgel.2026.107430.

Keywords

Sensors, Surface accoustic waves, VOCs, Health, Conducting polymers, Ammonia