Neither alcohol nor drugs: the first breathalyzer that you won't mind being made to blow into

A new biomedical device promises to revolutionize diagnostic methods thanks to its ability to detect disease markers through breath , without the need for blood tests or invasive samples. Known as ABLE , this system works similarly to a breathalyzer, but its goal is much more ambitious: to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could reveal the presence of pathologies such as diabetes, asthma, or even lung cancer.

The project, led by researchers at the University of Chicago and announced in an article published in Nature Chemical Engineering , is based on the condensation of molecules present in exhaled air, which are transformed into liquid microdroplets suitable for clinical analysis . According to those responsible, this advance will allow for rapid, convenient, and very low-cost healthcare testing, costing less than $200 (just over €170).

In addition to its low price, the device is easily adaptable to existing technologies , such as test strips. This compatibility would facilitate its integration into medical settings without the need for large investments, making it a potentially revolutionary tool for early diagnosis .

Diagnosis through breathing

The main challenge the researchers faced was the device's sensitivity, as VOCs can be found in concentrations as low as one part per trillion. To address this, ABLE incorporates a system that humidifies and cools exhaled air , allowing the collection of up to 1 milliliter of sample in just ten minutes.

Initial tests have been encouraging. The team was able to detect glucose in human breath at levels equivalent to those measured in blood, demonstrating the device's potential for monitoring parameters such as blood glucose . Studies were also conducted with mice modified with human microbiota, in which significant differences were observed in the levels of inflammatory compounds.

ABLE's capabilities aren't limited to medical diagnostics . In additional testing, the team demonstrated that the device can collect airborne allergens and bacteria such as E. coli , suggesting future applications in environmental quality monitoring in enclosed spaces or locations with high exposure to pathogens.

Beyond the lab, developers are already working on a miniaturized and portable version of ABLE , which would allow for home use or integration into wearable devices. This would pave the way for continuous health monitoring , especially useful for patients with chronic conditions or those with high risk factors.