Nanowire-based sensor enables rapid identification of toxic indoor molds

Researchers have developed an electronic nose that can reliably sense and identify mold, which causes various health issues for humans and animals, as well as damage to homes and other buildings and structures.

As reported in a study published in Advanced Sensor Research, the e-nose uses nanowires that detect gas concentrations by measuring changes in electrical resistance resulting from gas molecules interacting with a sensing material. Experiments revealed that the e-nose can detect and identify two common indoor mold species, Stachybotrys chartarum and Chaetomium globosum, each separately grown on different substrates.

"Our results prove that the e-nose can not only detect but also identify the different mold genera, and thus make a significant step towards fast, objective, and cost-effective indoor air quality monitoring," the authors wrote.