Recent advances in nanomaterial-based human breath analytical technology for clinical diagnosis and the way forward

For the putative diagnosis of various health disorders, the use of nanomaterial (NM)-based sensors for the detection of biomarkers in breath samples has become an emerging research field. In this work, we offer a systemic review on NM-based sensing of key breath biomarkers (mainly volatile organic compounds [VOCs]) based on the up-to-date survey of available techniques and relevant data. Also, we provide a basis for thorough evaluation to specifically address the technological gaps and bewildering factors of this emerging technique. Nonetheless, the use of NM-based detection approaches is still unsatisfactory and immature (e.g., real-time point-of-care applications) due to a number of demerits (e.g., extremely long rise and slew times). To ideally resolve the remaining obstacles in this research field and to avoid a "false dawn" scenario, NM-based breath sensing techniques should be dealt as a priority subject for future research and development. Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc.