Characterization of human body odor and identification of aldehydes using chemical sensor

Abstract Human body odor is a unique identity feature of individual as well as an established composite of numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) belonging to significant chemical classes. Several analytical methods have been used in the characterization of human body odor in order to recognize the chemical composition of VOCs in medical, forensic, and biometric applications. Besides, real-time sensing systems (based on the chemical sensors) are being researched and developed for qualitative and quantitative recognition of VOCs in body odor. The present review focuses the state-of-the-art research outcomes related to the characterization of human body odor with the objective to identify the VOCs belonging to aldehyde class. Furthermore, the application of chemical sensors in past studies for the detection of aldehydes besides other chemical compounds in body odor is summarized and the significance of aldehydes detection in different applications is discussed.