Exhaled breath capture modules and substrate-based probes for monitoring proteolysis activity

An exhaled breath capture module configured to capture aerosolized non-volatile organic particles in exhaled breath, the module including:

• an inlet duct configured to receive a mouthpiece removably insertable into the inlet duct;
• an outlet port disposed opposite to the inlet duct, wherein an outlet tubing including an inlet end and an outlet end is removably insertable into the outlet port and extend into the inlet duct defining an annular region between the outlet tubing and the inlet duct;
• an exhaled breath capture element including a packed bed column configured to capture the aerosolized non-volatile organic particles in exhaled breath, wherein the exhaled breath capture element is removably insertable into the inlet end of the outlet tubing defining a gap of predetermined length between an outlet of the mouthpiece and the exhaled breath capture element;
• a reservoir region disposed in fluid communication with the inlet duct and the annular region and configured to collect saliva particles or breath condensate particles in the exhaled breath that drop through the gap, wherein the outlet end of outlet tubing is coupled to a pump configured to draw the exhaled breath through the packed bed column;
• and
• a vent disposed in fluid communication with the reservoir region, wherein the vent is configured to prevent pressure build-up in the exhaled breath capture module.