Dataset from MOF-SCENT: Metal-Organic Frameworks for Screening COVID-19 by Electronic-Nose Technology to Improve Selectivity and Time Response

Background: The purpose of this study was to design, fabricate, and conduct proof-of-concept testing of a novel MOF-SCENT system (Metal-Organic Frameworks for Screening COVID-19 by Electronic-Nose Technology) to enable rapid and scalable COVID-19 detection. The study addressed the need for accessible, low-cost, and accurate testing technologies that could be deployed in clinical, community, and everyday environments to expand testing capacity and support pandemic containment efforts.

Materials/Methods: The study developed the MOF-SCENT system to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with COVID-19 using Metal-Organic Framework sensors coupled with electronic-nose technology. The system was designed to be portable, low-cost, robust, and easy to use, providing highly selective and sensitive detection with fast response and recovery times. Fabrication used stainless steel components manufacturable in standard machine shops, and MOF materials that were either commercially available or easily synthesized in organic synthesis laboratories. The detector operated using portable vector network analyzer (VNA) interrogators, specifically the MN7021A RF Sensor developed by Keysight Technologies. Commercial VNAs were adapted to increase production output and reduce costs.

Outcome/Impact: The proof-of-concept testing demonstrated that the MOF-SCENT system provided accurate, sensitive, and rapid detection of COVID-19-related VOCs. The intended outcome was to enable large-scale deployment over 50,000 units across public, clinical, and workplace settings, including airports, hospitals, pharmacies, and homes. This approach was expected to significantly increase daily testing accessibility, strengthen public health infrastructure, and help mitigate future waves of SARS-CoV-2 infections.