Ketowhistle: A New Breath Test for Diabetic Ketoacidosis Heads to Clinical Trials
Canberra, Australia — A pilot clinical study of the Ketowhistle, a novel breath test for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), is about to begin. The first patient is awaited by Professor Lan Fu, who leads the project from the Department of Electronic Materials Engineering and the ARC Centre for Transformative MetaOptical Systems (TMOS).
“I’m interested in fundamental research, I had no idea that I would change a person’s life in this way.” – Professor Lan Fu
How It Works
The Ketowhistle is a device designed to detect biomarkers for diseases—including diabetes—directly from exhaled breath. Its primary target is DKA, a serious complication where ketones accumulate in the blood. Because these ketones are partially exhaled, they can be measured without a blood sample.
The technology relies on a nanowire sensor featuring a Schottky junction. This design allows for sensitive, low-power detection of gas molecules, making the device both effective and practical for real-world use.
Commercialisation and Partnerships
Professor Fu is pursuing commercialisation through Ketone Innovation, a venture formed with energy technology company Solentropy. In a parallel collaboration, the team is working with Agscent to adapt the technology for monitoring cattle health.
The project has received significant financial backing, including an Ignite grant of approximately AUD 500,000 from the Australian Economic Accelerator. Partners include Canberra Health Services, ensuring the device is developed with direct clinical input. Medical guidance comes from endocrinologist Professor Christopher Nolan.
Overcoming Real-World Challenges
One of the key challenges in bringing the Ketowhistle from the lab to the clinic is interference from other molecules in breath, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. Professor Fu is now considering the use of machine learning to filter out these signals and improve the device’s accuracy.
The Commercialisation Journey
Professor Fu described the process of commercialising her research as “a big learning curve,” encompassing market analysis, risk assessment, data security, and engineering for real-world use. She noted that industry partners “get you to broaden your thinking and consider practical things.”
“The journey is certainly worthwhile - I would encourage anyone who thinks their work has potential to give it a try!” – Professor Fu
Looking ahead, Professor Fu sees herself returning to fundamental research once the commercialisation phase is well underway. However, she hopes that a student might eventually take the reins and pursue full commercialisation of the Ketowhistle.