Designing MEMS Sensors for Exhaled Breath Analysis

Exhaled breath analysis is a rapidly growing field in non-invasive medical diagnostics, relying heavily on highly sensitive micro-sensors. Understanding how to design these Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is key to developing the next generation of portable healthcare devices. In this text-based course, you will journey from foundational sensor physics to the conceptual design of a functional MEMS-based gas sensor. You will gain the skills to select appropriate materials, determine transduction mechanisms, and outline a complete sensor design workflow. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental physics of gas sensing and MEMS transduction mechanisms. - Identify key biological biomarkers in human breath and select appropriate sensing materials. - Design the structural and electrical layout of a MEMS-based chemiresistive or mechanical sensor. - Analyze modern fabrication workflows and integration methods for biomedical micro-devices. - Apply analytical models to predict sensor performance and sensitivity. The course begins with essential terminology and the biological basis of breath analysis, before guiding you through mechanical design principles, material selection, and modern manufacturing workflows. You will reinforce your knowledge through written design exercises and practical case studies. This course is designed for beginners, engineering students, and aspiring biomedical designers with no prior MEMS experience. Start reading today to design your first biomedical MEMS sensor concept.