Fraunhofer and TU Dresden researchers test laser technology to detect diseases via body odor

laser spectroscopy non-invasive diagnostics volatile organic compounds Parkinson's disease photoacoustic spectroscopy

Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS and TU Dresden have demonstrated the potential of using laser technology to detect diseases through changes in body odor. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, utilized laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy to analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in simple body swabs.

By using a tunable quantum cascade laser, the team created a spectral “fingerprint” of the substances found in samples taken from the nose, navel, and earlobe. In initial tests involving 24 participants from the SMELLODI project, the technology successfully distinguished between healthy individuals and those with Parkinson's disease, COVID-19, or mild cognitive impairment. Nasal swabs proved to be particularly effective for the analysis.

While the results are promising for developing fast, non-invasive, and cost-effective preliminary medical screenings, the researchers noted that the method is still in the early stages of feasibility testing and is not yet ready for clinical medical diagnosis.

Entities

Dresden · Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS · SMELLODI · Scientific Reports · TU Dresden · Technical University of Dresden · Technische Universität Dresden

Claims

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[● 5 SOURCES] The study investigated 24 individuals from the SMELLODI research project. www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · www.merkur.de · www.op-online.de
[● 5 SOURCES] The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports. www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · www.merkur.de · www.op-online.de
[● 5 SOURCES] Nasal samples showed the most promise in distinguishing between groups. www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · www.merkur.de · www.op-online.de
[● 5 SOURCES] Swabs were taken from the nose, navel, and ear to collect samples. www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · www.merkur.de · www.op-online.de
[● 5 SOURCES] The technology can distinguish between healthy individuals and those with Parkinson's or COVID-19. www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · www.merkur.de · www.op-online.de
[● 5 SOURCES] Researchers tested a laser technology to detect diseases via body odor. www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · www.merkur.de · www.op-online.de