Recent Developments in Various 2D Material-Based Gas Sensors: Diagnostic Perspective of Human Exhalation

A crucial goal in modern medical technology is to develop effective early-stage disease detection methods that can quickly identify the underlying causes or health conditions, all while minimizing the invasiveness of diagnostic procedures. Conventional approach for diagnosing various medical illnesses and pathological conditions has primarily relied on chemical analysis of human samples and invasive medical procedures that are expensive, time-intensive, and necessitate complex chemical analysis equipment. The composition of chemicals in human breath is highly intricate, consisting of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted due to metabolic processes within the human body. These compounds provide insights into various biochemical and physiological processes occurring in the body. Importantly, disease processes can lead to the production of VOC metabolites, which result from alterations in the normal physiological and metabolic pathways. In light of these considerations, it is imperative to develop a novel diagnostic strategy employing efficient nanomaterial-based electronic nose (e-nose) sensor devices for analyzing exhaled breath enabling early disease screenings with the focused identification of established disease biomarkers. Such a device delivers cost-effective, non-invasive, user-friendly, and reliable diagnostic outcomes. Two-dimensional materials, known for their unique properties, have shown significant potential as biomarkers for disease diagnosis. In this context, we will review and explore new possibilities in the synthesis, fabrication of sensors, and disease diagnosis using two-dimensional materials.