Organic based bio-sensor for odor detection in gynecological diseases

Odor sensors were fabricated by depositing organic polymeric semiconductor on screen-printed interdigitated electrodes. These sensors were tested with odors from different origins and in particular a culture of vaginal candidosis, in order the get insight about their use for a medical based diseases control. Both capacitive and resistive sensors were tested with different electrodes size / separations and composition. It was found that the carbon based electrodes with a size / separation of 300 mu m shows the best results with changes in on / off sate with a considerable amplitude suitable for electronic detection. Differential analysis shows a fast and stable transitions. The sensors response are interpreted by means of the absorption / adsorption of the analyte molecules by the nano-structured sense-active organic thin film that changes the electrical response. With the obtained results, a possible use of such sensors in home-made, low-cost, disposable and efficient medical diagnosis is discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of TEMA - Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation.