Within the ALCOVE project, sensors play a central role. Designed to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with lung cancer, these devices will be integrated into the future electronic noses. Their mission? To react to chemical information present in exhaled air and convert it into an exploitable electrical signal
This development builds on the legacy of the PATHACOV project, which rigorously identified and tested a wide range of sensitive materials. ALCOVE now focuses on the five to six most promising materials to design a new generation of sensors — smaller, more efficient, and fully compatible with the constraints of the future electronic nose.
The project currently explores two main families of sensitive materials:
1. Metal oxides
Developed by UMONS and Materia Nova,
these materials offer robustness and high sensitivity.
2. Conductive polymers
Studied by IMT Nord Europe,
they have the advantage of operating at room temperature, a major asset for clinical use. These materials are deposited onto a support — the substrate — equipped with electrodes used to measure changes in electrical resistance when exposed to gases. C’est sur cette base que repose la capacité du capteur à détecter les COV This principle underpins the sensor’s ability to detect VOCs of interest.d’intérêt.
The Miniaturisation Challenge
One of the project’s major challenges lies in sensor miniaturisation. Goal:
Reduce their size more than tenfold, moving from substrates of 5 cm × 1 cm to miniature 3 mm × 3 mm versions used in previous generations, while significantly reducing energy consumption. This drastic reduction is essential for developing a compact and ergonomic electronic nose, avoiding overheating issues and ensuring practical use in clinical environments.
A Rigorous Development Process
Sensor development follows a structured sequence of key steps: Preparation of sensitive materials to be integrated into the miniature sensors. Design of the miniaturised substrate equipped with measurement electrodes — a crucial component for proper device operation. Once prepared, materials are sent to a specialised subcontractor, who performs:deposition of sensitive layers on the miniature substrate,
electrical connections,
integration into a protective housing (final sensor packaging).
To ensure reliability, the sensors must meet three essential criteria:
High sensitivity to detect low concentrations of targeted VOCs,
Stability over time to avoid signal drift,
Reproducibility across manufacturing batches to guarantee consistent quality.
Transistor Effect: A Promising Innovation
The project also explores the integration of the transistor effect in certain sensors, in collaboration with the University of Reims. This innovative technology could:
significantly increase sensor sensitivity,
accelerate recovery after each measurement,
and improve overall performance in clinical conditions.
A Promising Outlook
Once the first batch of 100 miniaturised sensors is delivered, the prototypes will undergo extensive testing — including integration into the electronic nose developed in Arlon — before entering the clinical evaluation phase. This crucial step will validate the technological approach and refine parameters to optimise diagnostic performance.
Ultimately, ALCOVE sensors must combine:
high performance,
controlled cost,
and low‑temperature operation. The project’s clear ambition is to develop a reliable, accessible and scalable technology, suitable for industrial adoption and future commercialisation.
