This $390,000 project grant from the National Science Foundation's Engineering Directorate (CFDA 47.041) funds the development of a wearable dynamic microsystem sampler for collecting microbial volatiles from human skin at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Key products include a microelectromechanical system-fabricated, 3D-printed "SensorP" device the size of an apple watch. The SensorP will standardize skin scent collection through a novel packaging system preventing ambient volatile adsorption. It measures and notifies users of collected volatile organic compound mass in real time via an electronic circuit. Validation in controlled microbial environments and subsequent human studies will evaluate the system for disease biomarker discovery and diagnosis. Outcomes aim to advance low-cost, accessible biomarker platforms. Dissemination includes publications, conferences and outreach promoting diversity in engineering. This award supports NSF's mission through merit review criteria of intellectual merit and broader impacts.
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