Graduation Year

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.E.E.

Degree Name

MS in Electrical Engineering (M.S.E.E.)

Degree Granting Department

Electrical Engineering

Major Professor

Andrew Hoff, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Stephen E. Saddow, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Richard Gilbert, Ph.D.

Keywords

Ion Mobility Spectrometry, Mass Spectrometry, Planar Sensor, Coaxial Sensor, High-Field Asymmetric-Waveform

Abstract

Differential Mobility Spectrometry (DMS) using a non-radioactive ion source (NRIS) is investigated as a possible medical diagnostic instrument for near real-time detection of breast cancer biomarkers. In previous clinical studies, concentrations of Linoleic, Palmitic and Stearic fatty acids have been observed at different levels in women with carcinoma breast cancer versus women with benign tumors or healthy women showing no signs of breast cancer. Present diagnostic methods require a biopsy of the suspect tissue and a microscopic lab analysis performed to determine its disease state. This process can take hours or days before the patient and doctor are informed of the results. Controlled volumetric samples of each fatty acid listed above were introduced into a DMS instrument, using a NRIS, to determine detectability of each acid. The results provide proof-of-concept that Linoleic, Palmitic and Stearic fatty acids can be uniquely identified by varying the sample temperature and scanning the ionized fatty acid molecules in both the negative and positive ion mode of the DMS instrument. Detection response times range from 2 to 6 seconds for initial detection up to 35 seconds for peak detection. The Limit of Detection for the DMS instrument is estimated in the low parts per billion.

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