WO2022256580A1

WO2022256580A1 - Instant bio-sensing for the detection of early onset diseases

Info

Publication number: WO2022256580A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/032031
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Postrel
Original assignee: Richard Postrel
Priority date: 2021-06-02
Filing date: 2022-06-02
Publication date: 2022-12-08

Abstract

A platform and device for detecting disease at its earliest stages. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a subject sample are assayed and matched with VOC patterns characteristic of specific diseases. The platform rapidly and continuously obtains readings of molecular interactions between VOCs and one or more biosensor arrays to ascertain a positive or negative reading with high sensitivity and specificity. The system screens for and detects multiple diseases that may be present in a subject's sample.

Description

Instant Bio-sensing for the Detection of Early Onset Diseases

The present invention provides a platform and device for detecting disease at its earliest stages. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a subject sample are assayed and matched with VOC patterns characteristic of specific diseases. The platform described herein rapidly and continuously obtains readings of molecular interactions between VOCs and one or more biosensor arrays. The system has capacity to take in excess of 1000 readings per second to ascertain a positive or negative reading with high sensitivity and specificity. Primary applications of the invention includes deployment in hospitals, laboratories and other clinical setings. By using a single assay, multiple diseases can be analyzed in minutes. The system screens for and detects multiple diseases that may be present in the subject's sample. The biosensor arrays are configurable in a binary arrangement conducive to system expansion. Various forms of the device are designed to assay VOCs and non-VOCs that the system and platform analyze for patern signatures characteristic of a disease or menu of diseases.

In practicing this invention's disease recognition method, a biosample is introduced into the bio-sensing device where VOCs are analyzed to construct a profile. The sample profile is then compared to a library of disease signatures. A match is indicative of the activity of a disease associated with the signature. A suitable biosample may be obtained from a variety of sources including, but not limited to a gas emanating from the skin, breath; liquid samples, such as saliva, spinal fluid, semen, or urine; a semi-solid sample, such as mucus or earwax; a solid sample, such as a tumor, dander, hair, or skin scrape; essentially any biosample that contains products of metabolism that are free to evolve as volatile gaseous components.

The platform can identify a signature match at the earliest onset point of a disease, i.e., in many circumstances, even before disease presents symptoms that are recognized by the subject or medical practitioner. Early detection is especially relevant for cancers where therapies such as bio-therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery or targeted radiation can precede metastasis. The device achieves proven results for many different types of cancers from patients with stage 1 and/or stage 2 cancers, such as ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Formats of the device include those suitable for table top or counter top use which can be made portable when desired. Thus, this invention provides immediate opportunity to detect early stage disease thereby improving patient care and outcomes, survivability and quality of life.

Historical Background

The biological basis of VOCs in human medicine has a long history. More than three millennia ago Egyptians recognized that certain smells were associated with specific diseases or imminent death. We now understand that the odors are volatile organic compounds resulting from disease induced metabolisms. Dogs, with their robust olfactory sensitivity and discrimination abilities have been trained to detect various diseases. Electronic sensors, artificial noses, or (animal derived) electronic noses, are names used in reference to machines that can mimic the disease recognition olfactory abilities seen in dogs, fruit flies, and other animals. The present invention provides one such machine with extreme sensitivity that feeds into a pattern recognizing function to emphasize detection of molecules whose patterns of appearances and absences strongly correlate with specific diseases and, in many cases, stages of a disease.

The bio-sensing device featured in the invention provides data not only for each individual biosample being assayed, but supports aggregating and categorizing that individual's data and data from multiple subjects into an evolving machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (Al) platform that more and more robustly distinguishes the results differentiating the growing library of diseases presented by the subjects who have provided the biosamples.

To create a signature, a small group of diagnosed individuals, e.g., a dozen to a score, each provide biosamples to form associative correlation patterns relevant to the diagnosed disease or condition. The small group may identify with a single site or entity. The group may have individuals tested across a number of sites and collated, consolidated, and analyzed remotely.

As VOC molecules interact with the sensing elements, the rates/motilities and degrees of signals produced when a molecule in close proximity to the sensing element alters the electronic characteristics of the sensing element, the signals (e.g., changing current flow) are recorded.

The ML process identifies associations shared by the learning group while discounting VOCs shared by individuals without the disease. A group of individuals (control group) not diagnosed with the specific disease of interest is used to identify VOC reactive features that are not associated with the specific disease. The control group may include individuals with no diagnosed disease or condition and/or may include individuals diagnosed with a disease or condition not associated with the specific disease. Members of a learning group for disease A may serve as controls for diseases B, C, D, E, etc. A large number of recognized VOC-sensor interactions are thus recognized as irrelevant to a select specific disease or condition, though some of the interactions will be relevant to one or more different specific diseases or conditions. ML uses data from the initial teaching or learning group in comparison with control assay data to construct a profile. Subsequent assays entered into the platform continuously improve, refine, and modify the detection/recognition capacities of the platform to unambiguously identify a growing number of subjects as harboring the specific disease or condition, such as a viral disease, a cancer, a prion disease, an amyloid disease, heart disease, renal disease, lung disease, arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases.

For example, the identification percentage may be, e.g., 68% using the initial profile. As the platform grows with each assay entered, the identification percentage improves, e.g., to 72%, 75%, 78%, 80%, 85%, 90%, and greater. As the recognition protocols improve, perhaps to 93%, then 95% or greater. The term "signature" will replace the term "profile" in comparative analyses. In initial trials, groups as small as 10 or 15 diseased subjects have resulted in initial sensitivity and specificity in ranges about 85 to 98% range.

The platform will initiate with one or more profiles that progress to signatures. And then with continued use across a growing population, the collection of diseases or conditions that have signature entries will constantly improve. When desired, a specialized embodiment of this invention may be configured to detect a single disease. However, since the sensing elements inherently provide data that will be relevant to multiple diseases, the device may be set to compare each sample to the complete library of disease signatures or may be set to provide feedback from specifically targeted diseases.

Nano-sensing elements of the sensing device feature a functionalyzing mechanism, typically a biomolecule that attracts or repulses more electropositive or electronegative portions of metabolic VOCs. The intercourse between the VOC and the functionalyzing molecule alters electronic properties in the sensor and produces the signal. The functionalyzing molecule used in this invention is a molecule that sits upon or "decorates" a substrate base, often a semi- conductive layer of carbon such as single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) or graphene. Functionalyzing molecules associate with their substrate base such that an aberration or movement of the electron cloud associating the functionalyzing group with its base changes the electronic characteristics of the base. The change in electronics of the base then acts as a switch to modulate signal from the sensing element. Different functional groups , e.g., heterocyclic rings, in the different decorations will vary in associations with the base and also in their interactions with atoms on the proximal VOCs. SWNTs have proven to be more effective bases than planar graphene when VOCs are the target molecules.

When VOCs are the primary targets for assessment, the biosample may comprise any biological source that emits or evolves an outgassing of volatile components. Such biosamples may include, but are not limited to plasma, serum, saliva, mucus, urine, sweat, semen, dander, feces, skin, tears, biopsy, cerebral spinal fluid, sputum, etc. The samples may be assayed for the off gassings and may include assays conducted using a liquid overlaying the sensor(s).

The continuous updating process may include longitudinal studies on an individual or an identified class of individuals to document disease progression and/or regression with obvious application to therapeutic strategies to suggest which may be most beneficial.

When patient samples are submitted that relate to a group of people that exhibit a common set of symptoms but that are not associated with a known disease, the assays' results are analyzed to suggest a novel profile associated with a novel disease or variant that can be distinguished from all others in the library. Similarities, but not a match can suggest a disease source such as a viral family, toxic exposure, etc. New profiles are incorporated into the platform library with other diseases. Data from the assay devices can be uploaded to a consolidation center for developing profiles and signatures for the growing collection of diseases and conditions. The library for comparative matching to an individual's assay data may be periodically downloaded to individual devices, downloaded on demand, and/or maintained in a data center remote from the device, e.g., in a computer center, on the cloud, etc. Thus, when results are obtained that differ from normal, non-diseased individuals, the platform can recognize a newly spreading disease or variant. Similarities to one or more signatures in the disease library can suggest the source of the new findings, e.g., a virus of the xxxxx type, a bacteria related to yyyyy, a toxic exposure to a metal, organic compound, etc.

A subject may present with apparent symptoms that do not definitively distinguish between multiple diseases. The responsible disease and thus most efficacious treatment can be determined with a single biosample analysis. In some cases a patient will present with identifiable disease symptoms. A biosample from this patient may return results confirming the presence of the identified disease but may return results indicative of the presence of at least one additional disease or condition whose symptoms may not be as or may not yet be as severe as those of the identified disease. Thus a secondary disease that presents symptoms negligible in comparison to the primary disease, may be diagnosed and co-treated along with the primary disease. Annual checkups will benefit from a routine screening to detect conditions or diseases when easily treatable even before symptoms have become problematic or even noticeable.

Brief Description

The platform is compatible with multiple hardware and software configurations. One preferred embodiment is constructed as, e.g., a 16" x 16" x 16" box that accepts a sample tray with capacity for, e.g., 16 samples, or a motile tray that streams samples into the analysis zone. Other formats are available, for example a device into which each sample is individually loaded, a sample tray of a capacity greater than or less than sixteen, a sealed cartridge format that is loaded intact into the machine where it is unsealed and processed. The preferred embodiment is designed to accept DC or AC external power and incorporates a battery as an electronic filter or noise reducer that is available as a backup power supply. For portable or remote uses, additional battery capacity may be added. In one preferred embodiment, the device has a sliding drawer to accept its sample trays. Sample trays may be loaded by a human technician or by an automated process. In current configurations, the device can be expected to process about 1,000 samples per twelve hour cycle. Automated sample feed systems can reduce human interaction and increase productivity. Twenty-four hour operation with resultant rapid turnover and reduced response times are achievable. For secure operations, machine readable code, including, but not limited to: bar code, QR-Code, DataMatrix, Aztec, Beetagg, mCode, OCR format, Shotcode, Quickmark, TrillCode, etc., on each sample vial is associated with each sample read. The code may identify the source, e.g., subject ID, clinic, lab, time of collection, etc.; tagging information, such as vial brand or batch, tray, number, operator, ID; etc.; and/or instructions, e.g., desired analyses, destination of report(s), billing information, special instructions, etc. Subject ID and other private, persona, or restricted information may be transient, e.g., expunged as, or shortly after, results are reported to the persons or machines of interest, e.g., a medical professional, a guardian, a patient, a health tracking entity, etc. The preferred device is self contained, including power supply, sample chambers, sensors, data processing, data storage, data consolidation, data reporting, firmware and or software instructions, motors, fans, operator interfaces, etc. A compact computer such as an Intel^® NUC can provide most computer functions within the machine. The devices can independently operated and/or monitored and controlled from a remote site.

Depending, e.g., on perceived turnover, the sample tray may have any reasonable number of sample slots or wells. Generally sample tray sizes will be selected based on a binary multiple, e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, etc. But if an intervening or greater number is deemed to be advantageous for any specific application, the sample tray may be so configured. The sample tray or the basic device may include sensors to instruct the machine when a sample has been provided in that slot or well and/or to otherwise identify or identify the sample. Regardless of sample capacity in a single container, higher throughput rates are readily achieved simply by increasing the number of devices where samples are delivered. Multiple device boxes may share a technician for managing sample loading and unloading or may share an individual sample loading accessory.

In a more permanent high throughput embodiment, a line, strip, or ribbon conveyor may act as a sample tray to sequentially deliver the samples. Samples may be read individually or in batches (parallel tracks), e.g., 1. 2. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc., per batch. Identification on the sample vial is read concurrent with the sample read. In a preferred example, machine readable code, including, but not limited to: bar code, DataMatrix, Aztec, Code 1, Beetagg, mCode, Shotcode, MaxiCode, Optar, Quickmark, TrillCode and QR-Code, etc., on each sample vial, is associated with each sample read. Certain configurations can reduce the sample reading time from minutes to seconds.

Batch size is a design choice and therefore is arbitrarily selected e.g., with respect to throughput demands and compatibility with space available. Sample time may be selected, varied, or required, dependent on the biosample source or type, regulatory mandates, rate of gas emission, the number of arrays or chips, sample temperature, and/or travel distance the assayed gas may need to travel to access all the sensors, etc. For example, a heating phase may increase emissions and reduce sample reading times; as the number of arrays or sensor chips the gases cross during the assay increases, the gas requires more time to finish the trip. Embodiments may include software that determines optimal or adequate sampling times based on which assays are selected, a factor such as age of the chips, rate of gas flow, and/or instantaneous feedback to assay progression relative to the individual sample(s) being read. Different configurations may be designed to have greater or lesser capacity. Automated feed systems can increase capacity significantly.

In a current configuration, a sample tray containing sixteen samples is provided in a format that reads four samples simultaneously. The four samples to be read are uncapped and elevated into respective reading chambers where each may be heated to evolve VOCs. Data collection times are currently set at two minutes after which the four samples are returned to the sample tray where they are recapped. The sample tray then rotates to present the next batch. This is repeated four times to read all sixteen samples on each sample tray. The current protocols generously allow time to flush the sensors between samples and for sample tray exchange. This procedure easily achieves a rate of five sample trays per hour. Following this practice, an assay device of this invention easily reads and analyzes 80 samples per hour, 640 in eight hours, 960 samples every twelve hours or 1920 samples per day. Sample capacity can be increased in situations where sample delivery includes a program to preheat samples before elevation into the reading chambers, the reader is configured with an increased number of reading chambers, and/or by providing a system for automated sample tray exchange.

Sample trays may be loaded by a human technician or by an automated process. A sample tray may contain slots or wells for any convenient number of samples. Samples are preferably loaded in a tagged vial that is placed in the sample tray. The tagging may be any machine or human readable coding available. Such coding may provide Patient Name Record (PNR) for subject identification. Depending on subject authorization or regulatory requirements, subject IDs may be permanent or temporary, e.g., expunged as, or shortly after, results are reported to the persons or machines of interest, e.g., a medical professional, a guardian, a patient, a health tracking entity, etc. When used in a training or teaching environment the assay progression can be controlled, demonstrated, and/or monitored from a remote site.

One preferred embodiment features sensor element cartridges formatted in an easily changed, e.g., plug-in, slide-in, drop-in, or otherwise simple-to-replace cartridge format. Sensor chip cartridges may be optimized for specific tasks, such as toxic compound detection, disease detection, training session, etc. A sensing cartridges may be replaced according to a schedule, e.g., based on an expiration date after production or delivery, after installation, hours of operation, number of samples read, etc. The platform may include monitoring of individual sensor elements or chips and alert a technician when performance is degraded. The cartridges preferably are traceable using a serial number or code, to identify the characteristics of the sensor cartridge to a human or machine reader. The optimal applications for the sensor cartridge, suggested temperatures for readings, electronic connections/protocols, production date, batch, etc., may be readable for maintenance or confirmation that proper protocols were followed. Firmware installed in the cartridge may provide instruction relevant to the cartridge to instruct the components accomplishing the assay and data analysis with general operation or cartridge specific instruction and/or to notify or instruct an operator of the assay status and/or outstanding tasks to be performed.

The device may feature batch processing, e.g., a simultaneous reading of two or more distinct samples. While samples can be introduced through a variety of formats, a preferred format includes several wells, e.g., sixteen wells on a disk for accepting sample vials. A preheat session may be initiated before the first batch is assayed. A second batch may be heated after or while the previous sample is being monitored for compounds. Sample heating is not a requirement. The VOC analyzer in this example embodiment reads four samples simultaneously. Thus a sample tray with sixteen wells reads four samples in parallel in four serial batches. Including loading, heating (optional) and assay time, reading, from one to four samples per minute are satisfactorily accomplished. Each sample thus may be continuously read or periodically read for a time in excess of about 30 seconds, 1 minute, 1.5 minutes, 2 minutes, 2.5 minutes, 3 minutes, etc., at each sample read station. Shorter or longer read times may be preferred in research or specialized applications.

Additional assay methods may be used to optimize detection criteria, for improved understanding of metabolism in a disease process. Knowledge of the molecular constitution of one or more VOCs that were determined to contribute to a profile or signature can contribute to optimizing performance. Knowledge of specific VOCs may help to understand disease processes.

For example, gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC-mass-spec or GCMS) or other analytical tools may characterize a VOC of interest. While the platform can associate the assay data with a disease without determination of the molecular structure, knowledge of the skeletal structure and/or atomic formula may elucidate specific interactions between decorations on the bio-sensing elements and the VOC of interest. Such knowledge may suggest assay optimization protocols. Minor alterations in assay conditions, such as temperature of sensing chamber, charge on the sensing element, a different decoration, may highlight signature differentiations.

Preferred embodiments may include one or more signals to users and/or operators Such signals including, but not limited to: a light signal, a colored light signal, a pulsing light signal, a musical rif, a voice command a tone, a buzz, a video interface, etc. may include audible signals or alerts to operators. For example, a tone may indicate completion of a warm-up, a cleansing, a sample run, stage etc. A visible signal such as a colored and/or pulsing light may indicate read status. For example, brightness may increase or decrease during warm-up or to indicate read progress. In a box shape with four sample simultaneously read, a light on each side may indicate whether the corresponding read station has a sample being assayed. Color coding may include, e.g., a blue light to indicate power status, a green light to indicate readiness for loading, a yellow light to indicate actual read is occurring, a white light to indicate completion. Colors are arbitrary and may be selected or altered to correspond to color "meanings" that may be common in the cultures prevalent in the location of use.

Applications

The sample can be liquid, solid, gel, colloidal, etc. A biosample to be loaded is generally less than a gram in mass. Samples as small as about a pi produce good results and are easily manageable. A sample size in a range of 0.05 ml to 0.1 mL is a common choice for collection, storage, handling, and assaying in other applications. These sample volumes are compatible in the current platform. Smaller samples may be assayed by the bio-sensing elements, but may require special handling.

A sample reading produces a profile that is compared to entries in a library of VOC signatures associated with one or more selected diseases or conditions. The signatures available for comparison in the library of interest are obtained using a learning or teaching process involving a selected group of subjects known to have symptoms associated with the disease or condition of interest and to have a confirmed diagnosis for the disease. Samples from a healthy group of individuals are compared with the diseased group to distinguish the patterns of VOCs of the disease from the healthy group. Members of both groups produce thousands of VOCs, many of which result from healthful biochemical reactions common to disease and health groups. The machine learning compares the groups to identify the fraction of VOCs that are associated by their presence, absence, concentration, or ratio with another compound or compounds, with the identified disease. The patter of disease associated VOCs defines the disease profile or signature to be stored in the library. As the platform tests additional samples, each definitive profile may be used to strengthen the library match process to signature status.

Any biosample that has not deteriorated can be loaded into a well for VOC analysis. Non- invasive samples are preferred since they are easy to obtain without stressing the subject. Urine is an excellent source for sampling, as the renal system filters and concentrates compounds from the blood coursing through the kidneys. Breath can also be used, as well as plasma, saliva, sweat, semen, mucus, lymph, feces, and extracts or lysed cells such as blood cells or cells ob tained in biopsy of any organ, including, but not limited to: skin, liver, lung kidney, muscle, etc. Thus in practice, the invention can assay VOCs from gas or off-gas from any source of interest, including biological sources including, but not limited to: urine, blood, tears, sweat, plasma, flatulence, lymph, semen, vagina secretions, feces, wounds and/or festering wounds, breath, saliva, gas (VOC) emissions from a collection of animals or people, an individual, any internal or external surfaces (including the armpits, scalp, sinuses, ear canal, ear wax, ear folds, feet, navel or umbilicus), etc. If gas, like breath, is sampled, the breath itself is considered as a sample off gas. Gas samples may be concentrated by compression, dissolved in a liquid, or adhered to a solid to facilitate sample handling. The gas may be released for assay by pressure reduction, heating, agitation, or other means to liberate the gases for access to the sensing chips.

The preferred format of the present invention features "chips" with modular nano-sensing elements (or nano-sensor element (NSE)) that are independently maintained at a fixed, fluctuating, stochastic, alternating, discontinuous or flashing feeder power supply. The outputs of each NSE may be individually wired to a dedicated data transducer or a selection of sensor outputs may use a common carrier circuit and thus be "averaged". In some embodiments, a simpler circuitry may involve multiple elements feeding a single output that may sum the outputs to deliver an average reading. When one or more of the "averaged" sensors is turned off or powered down, the average will not include output from these one or more powered down sensors. When input sensors are powered individually, for example, in a cycling pattern when only one (or a selected portion) of the input electrodes being charged, averaged outputs synchronized with the timing of input charging can thus provide data from individual channels.

An example of the preferred embodiment features a nano-sensor chip at the top of a reading chamber. The chamber incorporates auxiliary sensors, for example, a temperature sensor and/or a pressure sensor. A tray for loading the samples may be exchangeable or movable. The tray may function as a drawer or shelf that is slidably accessible for loading the samples.

Runners for supporting a sliding shelf may be accessible through an openable or removable port, e.g., a door, flip cover, sliding shield, and/or the like. Retractable and/or replaceable panels may be slidably inserted within the assay chamber to provide solid or perforated barricade where internal shielding or select access to chips is desired. For example removable or movable panel may feature offset perforations that align with a second perforated panel to control access allowing convective access of analyte to sensing elements when the holes align in an open position and blocking access when the perforations are not aligned. A heat source, such as a heater plate that may also act as a cooling plate may be set to a static excitation temperature or may be variable, for example capable of ramping or cycling over time to control vapor pressure of components in the sample(s). The temperature may be controlled by a heater and/or cooler in contact with or in close proximity to the sample lift plate or through controlling ambient gas temperature. Select embodiments may enable and/or method embodiments may use temperature, electromagnetic stimulation, physical stimulation, chemical stimulation, etc., to deliver or modify sample product excitation for analysis.

A successful format involves use of carbon-based structures having properties similar to decorated single wall nanotubules (SWNTs). The carbon component atoms of the nano-tubules are receptive to complexing with ringed chemical structures (decorations or functionalizations), often occurring through a non-covalent p-bonding effect. Graphene, having similar single layer carbon geometry, with proper decoration, can also serve as a sensing surface. Evidence indicates the curved carbon structures of the SWNTs demonstrate more consistent FET properties in many use environments with various functionalization (decoration). Therefore, curved graphene, possibly formed into a corrugated or spiral geometry, (See, e.g., Michael Taeyoung Hwang, et al., Ultrasensitive detection of nucleic acids using deformed graphene channel field effect biosensors. Nat Commun 11, 1543 (2020). htps://doi.org/10.1038/s41467- 020-15330-9) may demonstrate more promising specificity, speed of analysis, and/or sensitivity over planar graphene for particular applications. As nanotechnology continues to progress additional sensor formats such as those emiting light, will become accepted in the art. Embodiments of the present invention may incorporate these improved sensors as their reliability is established. The skilled artisan will generally choose which form of sensor is optimal for performance and cost.

SWNTs are especially differentiating with volatile molecules, generally with molecular weights about 400g/mol or less. Graphene based substrates have advantages in detecting molecules with an atomic weight of greater than 400 g/mol. may present advantages with respect to liquids or compounds in liquids. The SWNT and graphene based sensors may be incorporated in a single component package or may work in conjunction with each other. Thus, the platform may, but not necessarily, include sensors that assay larger (non-volatile) molecules.

Nano-sensor elements carried on the chips can be any properly designed sensing surface capable of, for example, field-effect transistor (FET) or other physico-electrical property/activity including, but not limited to: semi-conducting nano-wires, carbon nano-tubes- including single wall carbon nano-tubes, chitosan-cantilever based, synthetic polymers - including dendrimers, plasmon resonance nano-sensors, Forster resonance energy transfer nano-sensors, vibrational phonon nano-sensors, optical emiting, optical frequency (or wavelength) based nano-sensors (sensitive to photon transmitance, absorption, reflection, energy modulation, etc.). Nano FETs and other nano-sensor formats generally operate by changing electrical properties as a substance comes in close proximity to the sensor by perturbing the steady state (absent the proximal substance) charges and movements (distribution of electrons) within the nano-sensor. When the transistor effective electrical properties cause an observable change in electron flow (current) this manifestation is one example of sensor competence. The altered distribution of electrons, depending on the design of the nano-sensor, changes one or more electrical properties, e.g., impedance, resistance-conductivity, capacitance, inductance, etc. and thus the physical movement of a detectable particle, e.g., an electron, a photon, etc. The present invention primarily features nano-sensors whose characteristics change depending on association (close proximity with) a chemical substance. Sensation may involve more than one event. For example, in one format of nano-sensor the proximity event may dampen a vibration that is sensed by observing a changed electrical property. Similarly, an optical property, e.g., reflectance, transmitance, refractive index, can be perturbed by proximity to a substance, altering electron distribution within the sensor enough to cause optically detectable geometric changes. The optically related detection format for a nano-sensor may be observed at a specific frequency or range of frequencies, for example moving peak transmitance to another frequency.

While current practices employs a chip comprising 28 NSEs, a chip may be formed in any desired configuration. For example, a 10x10 sensor array on a chip can provide a compact yet exuberant surface. Arrays may be constructed to align with squares or powers of 2 as is common in computation hardware and some biological plates. Thus, for some embodiments a 2x2 sensor chip may be sufficient. But more often a greater number of chips will be employed for additional sensitivity and discrimination abilities allowing assay results to be collected on a greater number of analyte chemicals. Thus, a 3x3, 4x4, 5x5, 6x6, 8x8, 10x10, 12x12, 15x15, 16x16, 18x18, 20x20, 25x25, and so on, including intervening squares, mentioned and envisioned here, but not exhaustively incorporated in the text format might be constructed. Other non-square formats are also envisioned. In biology plate sizes based on a power of 2 times 3 are often employed. Thus 48 well, 96, well plates, etc. are common and easily handled by modular software applications. Since binary electronic electronics often increase capacity according to powers of 2, but physical dimensions may not always be supportive of such doubling with each improved version. Software may often be capable of addressing a number in excess of the sensor elements on a chip. For example, computations relating to 26 may be used with a 7x7, 8x7, or 50 element chip. A 10x10, i.e., a one-hundred element chip may be served by an application designed for up to 27 (128) element channels. Higher element chips may thus suggest using applications that have capacity for 2⁸, 2⁹, 2¹⁰, 2¹¹, 2¹², 2¹³,2¹⁴, 2¹⁵, 2¹⁶, 2¹⁷, 2¹⁸, 2¹⁹,

2²⁰, etc., sensor element channels. The chip may be configured with one dimension far in excess of the other. For additional capacity or perhaps to consolidate assay functions in between bulk restoration functions, a chip may be configured in a flexible format in the form of a ribbon with a fraction of the length presented at each analysis function. For example, several 12x8, 10x10, 12x12, 20x20, 32 across x 32/cm length, etc. analytical portions might be exposed with the ribbon being advanced for each subsequent analysis round. A mask may be used to expose only a portion of the chip, for example to select a class or classes of decorations for different exposures to sample VOCs. Such mask may be perforated and movable allowing multiple reads on a portion of the chip without need to restore or advance the chip after each assay or assay condition. A mask with perforations can be made to allow for multiple sensor layers to reside on a chip. For extra high throughput, the ribbon may be advanced in continuous movement where samples are presented at a high rate, perhaps 1/sec. The just used portions of the ribbons may be restored in series with assays by passing through a restoration chamber or may be constructed as disposable units.

In a preferred embodiment, a sample tray is used to present the sample. It may be formatted with a disk having, e.g., 16 sample wells arranged at the periphery of a circular sample tray. A drawer for loading samples is opened to accept the sample disk. In a preferred embodiment, has four cards with analysis chips installed above the inserted sample delivery disk. The design in any specific embodiment may incorporate a greater or lesser number, e.g., one, two, three, six, eight, twelve, sixteen, or any convenient number compatible with the unit design. In an embodiment with four cards, four samples are read simultaneously. This example reads four samples at one time. When a sample is to be read, the sample tray is advanced to dispose four samples, each under one of the four chips; in some embodiments the sample is lightly heated; the gases escaping from the vials access the NSEs on the one or more chips; the interactions of individual molecules of VOCs with individual NSEs are observed and recorded; a profile is created in accordance with programmed instructions; the profile is compared to signatures associated with diseases in a signature library; matches; are noted; the disk rotates to read the next four samples or a number commensurate with the number of sample reading cards present.

Claims

1. A platform that assays biosamples for associating a subject sample with a specific disease, said platform comprising: a) an assay module that measures activities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and in association with data collection and processing modules is capable of producing results differentiating said activities between two samples; b) a computer interfaced to process said results; and c) a library that stores said processed results with a tag indicative of an associated disease or condition.

2. The platform of claim 1 wherein said device comprises an assay module configured to accept a sample that delivers a gas to sensing elements in said assay module, said assay module comprising bio-sensing elements that in the presence of a proximal VOC alter data outputs from said bio-sensing elements.

3. The platform of claim 1 wherein said computer interfaced to process said results comprises a compiler module programmable to compile and analyze said results from a disease tagged sample for comparison to one or more additional samples.

4. The platform of claim 3 wherein patterned results from a plurality of tagged samples that are tagged to associate with or condition are differentiated from patterned results from a plurality of samples that lack said tag.

5. The platform of claim 1 wherein said library comprises said differentiated pattern results that are tagged with the associated disease or condition.

6. The platform of claim 5 wherein said library comprises a plurality of tagged diseases or conditions associated with differentiated pattern results.

7. The platform of claim 6 wherein at least one of said tagged diseases or conditions is associated with a tag indicative of a viral infection.

8. The platform of claim 6 wherein at least one of said tagged diseases or conditions is associated with a tag indicative of a cancer.

9. The platform of claim 8 wherein said cancer is selected from the group consisting of: ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

10. The platform of claim 1 said assay module comprises nanosensing elements disposed as part of a circuit chip.

11. The platform of claim 10 wherein said circuit chip comprises at least 26 nanosensing elements.

12. The platform of claim 10 wherein said circuit chip comprises at least 28 nanosensing elements.

13. The platform of claim 10 wherein said assay module comprises a plurality of said circuit chips.

14. The platform of claim 1 wherein said assay module is enclosed in a box.

15. The platform of claim 14 wherein said box encloses said computer interfaced to process said results.

16. The platform of claim 14 wherein said box has a base less than or equal to about 300 in2.

17. The platform of claim 14 wherein said box has a height of less than or equal to about 16 in.

18. The platform of claim 14 wherein the length, width, and height of said box are approximately equal in measurement.

19. The platform of claim 14 wherein the shape of said box approximates a cube.

20. The platform of claim 14 wherein said box encloses an electrical battery.

21. The platform of claim 20 wherein said battery has an interface capable of delivering power to said battery.

22. The platform of claim 14 wherein said box encloses at least one interface addressable by a communication device remote to said box.

23. The platform of claim 22 wherein said interface requires cyber secure communication.

24. The platform of claim 1 comprising a port through which biosamples can gain access to said assay module.

25. The platform of claim 24 wherein said port is in a format selected from the group consisting of: a drawer, a door, flip cover, and sliding shield.

26. The platform of claim 1 comprising at least one surface for supporting said biosamples.

27. The platform of claim 26 wherein said at least one surface comprises support for a sliding drawer.

28. The platform of claim 26 wherein said at least one surface for supporting said biosamples comprises support for a sample tray.

29. The platform of claim 26 wherein said sample tray is disc shaped.

30. The platform of claim 28 wherein said sample tray comprises at least 4 sample wells.

31. The platform of claim 28 wherein said sample tray comprises at least 16 sample wells.

32. The platform of claim 14 wherein said box encloses at least one of: a motor, a fan, a heater, a cooler, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a clock, a piston, an exhaust tube, and an air inlet.

33. The platform of claim 1 further comprising an accessory component that delivers said biosamples to said assay module for assaying.

34. The platform of claim 14, wherein said box encloses a data storage module, said data storage module storing at least one disease associated signature.

35. The platform of claim 14, wherein said box encloses a reading module that reads data carried on a sample vial or cartridge.

36. The platform of claim 35 wherein said data carried on said sample vial or cartridge is in a format selected from the group consisting of: bar code, QR-Code, DataMatrix, Aztec, Beetagg, mCode, OCR format, Shotcode, Quickmark, TrillCode, Code 1, MaxiCode, Optar, and Quickmark.

37. The platform of claim 2 wherein said bio-sensing elements comprise at least one biomolecule associated with a single wall carbon nanotube.

38. The platform of claim 2 further comprising a second assay module configured to accept a liquid sample to sensing elements in said second assay module, said second assay module comprising graphene disposed bio-sensing elements that in the presence of a proximal liquid delivered molecule or compound alter data outputs from said graphene disposed bio sensing elements.

39. A method for screening a biosample for evidence of a disease, said method comprising: a) introducing a biosample into a device of claim 1; and b) operating the device of claim 1.

40. A method for screening a biosample for evidence of a disease, said method comprising: a) introducing a biosample into a device comprising bio-sensing elements; b) allowing access of said bio-sensing elements to said biosample; c) activating said bio-sensing elements to sense VOC molecules proximal to said bio-sensing elements; d) collecting output data from said bio-sensing elements; e) comparing said data to signature data associated with at least one disease; f) reporting a positive screen relative to at least one disease when said data matches said signature data associated with said matched disease; and/or g) reporting when said data fails to match signature data associated with a disease.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein comparing said data to signature data is preceded by: i) collecting assay data from a plurality of individuals presenting with a specific disease; ii) collecting assay data from a plurality of individuals who do not present with said specific disease; iii) comparing said assay of i) with said assay data of ii) to obtain a differentiating pattern; and iv) associating said differentiating pattern with said specific disease.

42. The method of claim 41 repeated a plurality of times to form a library of differentiating patterns each of which is associated with a specific disease.