Breath analysis system, device and method employing nanoparticle-based sensor

A system for sensing an analyte in a breath sample of a user, the system comprising:

• a housing,
• a mouthpiece for receiving the breath sample from a respiratory tract of the user,
• a flow path disposed within the housing and comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein during exhalation of the breath sample by the user into the mouthpiece the breath sample flows in the flow path in a downstream direction from the upstream end toward the downstream end,
• a nanoparticle-based sensor disposed in the housing in fluid communication with the flow path and at an intermediate location between the upstream end and the downstream end,
• a temperature sensor disposed in the housing proximate the nanoparticle-based sensor;
• a temperature control circuit connected to the nanoparticle-based sensor to adjust a temperature of the nanoparticle-based sensor;
• and
• a flow control device that inhibits inhalation by the user of gas heated by the nanoparticle-based sensor by inhibiting gas flow in an upstream direction in the flow path.

A portable device capable of measuring a concentration of an analyte in a breath sample of a user, the portable device comprising:

• a mouthpiece;
• a housing;
• a conduit formed within the housing and fluidly coupled to the mouthpiece at an upstream end, the conduit forming a flow path through which the breath sample flows in a downstream direction during exhalation by the user into the mouthpiece;
• a nanoparticle-based sensor positioned along the flow path, the nanoparticle-based sensor capable of measuring the concentration of the analyte in the breath sample;
• a heating device that heats the nanoparticle-based sensor;
• and
• a flow control device that inhibits a flow of gas in the conduit in an upstream direction opposite the downstream direction, the flow control device thereby inhibiting inhalation by the user of gas heated by the nanoparticle-based sensor.