Volatile organic compounds analyzed by gas chromatography-deep ultraviolet spectroscopy

Exhaled breath contains thousands of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of which the composition varies depending on status of the individual and the environment. Different metabolic processes within the body produce volatile substances that are released into the blood. When the blood reaches the lungs the products are released into lung tissue and airways.

Also, chronic inflammation and/or oxidative stress can result in the excretion of volatile compounds that generate unique VOC patterns. Therefore, measuring the presence of VOCs in exhaled air (breathomics), for clinical diagnosis and monitoring purposes has gained increased interest over the last years.

This paper describes one methodology based on gas chromatography (GC) and deep ultraviolet (DUV) spectroscopy. Spectra of compounds found in exhaled breath are presented.