Eu-COF-based fluorescent and portable detection of acetone in exhaled breath

Exhaled biomarker detection as a non-invasive and portable analytical method, holds great potential in the field of point-of-care testing. Acetone exhibited a higher concentration in the exhaled breath of diabetic patients compared to healthy individuals. Therefore, the development of a highly sensitive, easy-to-operate, and portable acetone detection technology can be utilized for the rapid screening of diabetes. A covalent organic framework Eu-COF was synthesized, and its fluorescence can be specifically quenched by acetone based on the mechanism of energy competition. A flexible Eu-COF-based fluorescent film was prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the substrate and suited to a 3D printing device portable device for on-site rapid detection of acetone. The linearity of concentration was ranged from 0.2-8.0 mg/m3, with a detection limit of 0.1 mg/m3 (RSD=8.6%). The accuracy of the device was validated by comparison with the results of GC-MS. Based on F-Test, there were no significant differences between the results of portable device and GC-MS. The Eu-COF-based fluorescent film exhibited comparable response in humid environment as well. The detection device integrated sample collection and testing in one step and directly providing the concentration of acetone exhaled by the patient. It can serve as a rapid screening tool for point-of care, non-invasive diabetes detection.