New sensor detects liver disease markers in human breath

Sensor filters interfering gases effectively

The device identifies tiny amounts of dimethyl sulfide even when hydrogen sulfide and high humidity are present. Before the interfering gas can reach the sensing material, a thin filtering layer composed of copper oxide and aluminum oxide traps it. This layer allows dimethyl sulfide to pass through while reducing moisture interference significantly. With this new layer installed, the response ratio used to differentiate between the two gases rose from 3.3 to 50.4.

Detection limits improved under humidity

Testing revealed that the sensor identified dimethyl sulfide levels down to 10 ppb even when relative humidity reached 90 percent. Concentrations exceeding 30 parts per billion have been linked to liver issues including cirrhosis and hypermethioninemia. Research groups affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Hefei Institutes of Physical Science conducted the study. The work involved the Key Laboratory of Odor Pollution Control under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment together with Shenzhen Technology University.

Breath analysis screening potential grows

Experiments involving breath samples that mimic conditions found in liver disease patients demonstrated the sensor's ability to identify minor shifts in concentration levels. The findings were published in ACS Nano with authors Ruofan Zhang and colleagues listed on the paper. Publication details cite the journal ACS Nano for the study released in 2026. The findings underscore the device's capability to screen for liver conditions without invasion by examining exhaled air.