Recently, DMSE professor Howard Katz traveled to Haifa, Israel where he gave a plenary lecture at the 2nd Annual Conference on Chemical Sensors for Wearable Devices.
In its second year, the Annual Chemical Sensors for Wearable Devices conference is hosted by The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and brings together researchers and experts representing various disciplines including engineering, medicine, biotech, and more. The event facilitates the exchange of information and ideas for the future of wearable diagnostic technologies.
Katz was invited to present his work measuring environmental vapors using electronically sensitive semiconductors by the conference organizer and chair Hossam Haick, a pioneer in the field of breath analysis for disease diagnosis. The chemical vapor sensors Katz is making, based on responsive organic electronic materials, have increased contrast in their responses to different molecules and greater stability when they are not exposed to the molecules of interest for detection. Katz’s two-pronged strategy is a complementary approach to the work of other conference participants as well as Professor Haick’s research.
Katz says real-world applications for the sensors he is working with could include inexpensive, real-time monitoring of air around people who are experiencing specific symptoms as a result of exposure to harmful gases in the environment. The device would detect these gases and let the wearer know it’s time to get some fresh air. The devices could also be used for environmental testing of spaces for hazardous gases before people enter and are potentially exposed.
“I particularly benefited from hearing speakers who presented different ways that sensors respond to chemicals that could be in vapor or solution form, and how sensors were being integrated with consumer electronics and internet-based devices,” says Katz.
Katz presented first and enjoyed both days of the conference and a week in Israel before his 12.5-hour flight home to Baltimore and JHU.
For more about the annual conference and presenters, visit the event website here: https://cswd2020.net.technion.ac.il/