Mask created that can detect kidney disease just by breathing

A team of specialists from the University of Rome Tor Vergata has designed an innovative surgical mask capable of detecting chronic kidney disease (CKD) through breath analysis, potentially transforming the way the condition is diagnosed and monitored.

The breakthrough, recently published in the journal ACS Sensors, offers a noninvasive and more accessible approach to early detection of this condition, which often goes unnoticed in its early stages.

A portable tool for detecting kidney disease

The developed mask incorporates a chemical sensor between its inner layers. This device is composed of silver electrodes coated with a conductive polymer modified with porphyrins, substances that react to specific gases.

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When a person with CKD exhales, releases high concentrations of volatile compounds such as ammonia, ethanol, propanol and acetone. The sensor detects these elements and causes a change in electrical resistance, which is interpreted by an external electronic reader.

How effective was the test?

The effectiveness of the prototype was evaluated with a sample of 100 volunteers, of which Nearly 50% already had a confirmed diagnosis of kidney disease. The device achieved an accuracy of 84% in positive cases and 88% in individuals without the condition.

Furthermore, the data obtained provided indications of the degree of disease progression, which could be useful in clinical settings for making treatment decisions.

"The implementation of this technology is expected to improve the management of CKD patients by facilitating the timely identification of changes in disease progression," highlighted researchers Sergio Bernardini and Annalisa Noce, who led the project.

What is chronic kidney disease?

CKD is a progressive disease in which the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from the blood. According to the Guadalajara Civil Hospital, approximately 11% of the Mexican population lives with this disease, and the country has ranked among the top countries in terms of the number of people requiring dialysis treatment.

In its early stages , CKD may not present noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose early. Currently, it is detected through blood and urine tests, so the development of less invasive alternatives could facilitate its early identification.

Advantages of the new method

The use of this mask represents a solution economical, accessible and without the need for invasive procedures, compared to traditional tests. Some of its notable features include:

• No blood draw or urine samples required
• Can be used outside hospital environments
• It has potential for continued use in diagnosed individuals
• It represents a rapid screening alternative for vulnerable populations.

While it does not yet replace conventional clinical testing, The device could be incorporated into community screening programs or monitoring of high-risk patients.

Next steps towards commercialization

The research team noted that further trials in diverse groups are still needed to fully validate the device's effectiveness. They are also seeking to miniaturize the e-reader to facilitate its production and sale in the future.

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This development adds to the new diagnostic technologies based on human respiration, a field that has gained relevance due to its practical and preventative nature.

With information from ACS Sensors magazine and Europa Press

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