Exhaled Biomarkers for Point-of-Care Diagnosis: Recent Advances and New Challenges in Breathomics

Abstract

Cancers, chronic diseases and respiratory infections are major causes of mortality and present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for health care. There is an unmet medical need for non-invasive, easy-to-use biomarkers for the early diagnosis, phenotyping, predicting and monitoring of the therapeutic responses of these disorders. Exhaled breath sampling is an attractive choice that has gained attention in recent years. Exhaled nitric oxide measurement used as a predictive biomarker of the response to anti-eosinophil therapy in severe asthma has paved the way for other exhaled breath biomarkers. Advances in laser and nanosensor technologies and spectrometry together with widespread use of algorithms and artificial intelligence have facilitated research on volatile organic compounds and artificial olfaction systems to develop new exhaled biomarkers. We aim to provide an overview of the recent advances in and challenges of exhaled biomarker measurements with an emphasis on the applicability of their measurement as a non-invasive, point-of-care diagnostic and monitoring tool.

Electrochemical Detection of Gasotransmitters: Status and Roadmap

“…Importantly, even though NO, CO, and H 2 S exert their physiological effects within liquid-phase biological media (i.e., dissolved within blood or CSF and diffusing through cell walls to reach molecular targets), gasotransmitters are constantly exhaled in the gas phase. The determination of gasotransmitter concentrations in exhaled air can help physicians monitor the progression of diseases, the efficacy of medications, the efficiency and/or functionality of an individual’s cardiovascular system, and an array of other valuable diagnostic functions. ,− For these reasons, electrochemical methods that aid in the gas-phase detection of gasotransmitters remain highly relevant in physiological contexts. Both Cu- and Ni-linked NiPc-2D conductive MOFs have proven particularly valuable in the gas-phase detection of gasotransmitters.…”

The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Cardiovascular Comorbidities in COPD

“…A multitude of studies is available in the literature that addressed characterize systemic and local oxidative stress in association with COPD and various forms of cardiovascular diseases [ 1 , 2 , 211 , 212 , 213 ]. In addition, several biomarkers of oxidative stress are available in the blood, tissues, and other biological samples, such as exhaled breath condensate and sputum [ 1 , 211 , 214 ]. However, the direct measurement of ROS production is challenging because of the short half-life of reactive oxidants.…”

Electronic nose based analysis of exhaled volatile organic compounds spectrum reveals asthmatic shifts and consistency in controls post-exercise and spirometry

“…Breathomics, also known as the study of breath metabolites, is quickly becoming a significant field in medical research and diagnostics. This field focuses on examining the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in breath to gain insights into both normal and abnormal physiological states [1]. By analyzing these VOCs, breathomics seeks to offer a non-invasive, immediate snapshot of a person's health.…”

“…By analyzing these VOCs, breathomics seeks to offer a non-invasive, immediate snapshot of a person's health. Historical practices of breath analysis have been transformed by modern technologies and analytical methods, enabling detailed examination of breath samples [1]. Instruments like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and electronic noses (e-noses) are pivotal in identifying the diverse VOCs emanating from various bodily processes [2].…”