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Mini spectrophotometer for measurement of diabetes through the human-breath (MiniSpec)

Spectrophotometry is may be one of the most powerful techniques to identify and measure chemical compounds of a solution (Solid, liquid or gas). However, a spectrophotometer is commonly considered as an expensive and large equipment, unavailable for personal medical monitoring. This is because this type of equipment is designed to identify and measure a large number of compounds. However, in the case of the diabetic breath, it is necessary to identify and measure just one type of compound the “Ketones”, to have a measure of the glucose level in the patient blood. Therefore, a very simple device can be used to monitoring the level of glucose in a patient, where it is enough that he blows inside this device to measure its glucose level.

This project is in the area of "health and solutions for major diseases of society."

Diabetes is one of the biggest causes of death worldwide. However, current procedures, require a blood sample to monitor the disease, which is annoying, painful and represents a potential source of infection for the patient. Therefore, it is needed an alternative method which permits proper monitoring of diabetes.

Project Leader

Prof. Alfredo Márquez PhD.Centro de Investigación en Materiales AvanzadosMiguel de Cervantes No. 120, Complejo Industrial

Chihuahua. Chih. Chih. CP 31109. Mexico. Email; alfredo.marquez@cimav.edu.mx

Cel; + 521 614 103 7983.

Diabetic breath

Selecting a range of measurement.

MiniSpec Prototype Patent application; MX/E/2013/091672

Power Button

Touch screen

NozzleResonant cavity

Control Board

Method of measuring. • The internal method of measuring diabetes by MiniSpec is described in the patent

application MX/E/2013/091672. • The patient use procedure is as follows;• a) The equipment is turned on;• b) The patient waits for the sign “STARTS TO BLOW” on the screen;• c) The patient blows through the nozzle for 5 seconds;• d) The above procedure is repeated 3 times;• e) The device evaluates the ketones in the breath and correlates it concentration with

glucose level in the patient´s blood;• f) The result is displayed on the touch screen.• g) The nozzle must be changed each month or when an advertisement sign appears on

the screen.

Product advantages of the MiniSpec.

• The MiniSpec is a pocket size equipment. • It can be used before and after each meal, or when required, without

the need to extract a blood sample from the patient. • If required, the medical information of the patient may be

automatically send to his physician, via internet.• A mini solar cell may be integrated to powering this device.• Its price is very accessible, may be so low as 250.00 USD (without

taxes).

Needs to for to have commercial prototype.

• a) The project is currently at the level of a laboratory prototype. • b) In order to have all tests necessary to achieve a commercial prototype, a

budget of US $ 1.5 million, and a year of work is required.

• c) In order to mount an industrial production line of such devices, US $ 7.5 million is required, and 14 months of work.

• d) The distribution, advertising, etc., will require a budget of around US $ 950,000.

Potential benefits

a) It is likely to sell from 5 million to 50 million pieces of this device worldwide, with a price of $ 250.00 per piece (without taxes), over the next five years.b) The cost of production, of at least 100,000 pieces, would be 95 dollars a piece, and the distribution and storage costs in America would be 15 dollars a piece.c) Loss and replenishments might consider another 15 dollars per piece,d) Therefore, an average benefit of $ 125.00 per piece may be obtained.f) This means a profit among 625 to 6,250 million dollars on the next 5 years.

Potential benefits

g) The national medical programs, of a number of countries, expend a huge quantity of money on treatments; medicaments; work absenteeism, etc. An appropriate control of diabetes may cut the previous expenses in a significant proportion. i) Therefore, this device can be significantly subsidized by governments, which can assure the financial viability of this project. j) The people can gave a better and longer live. k) The authors and institutions involved on the development of this device, can be pride to help to the welfare of their fellow.