Wound-State Monitoring for Burn Patients Using E-Nose/SPME System

Abstract

Array‐based gas sensors now offer the potential of a robust analytical approach to odor measurement for medical use. We are developing a fast reliable method for detection of microbial infection by monitoring the headspace from the infected wound. In this paper, we present initial results obtained from wound‐state monitoring for burn patients using an electronic nose incorporating an automated solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) desorption system to enable the system to be used for clinical validation. SPME preconcentration is used for sampling of the headspace air and the response of the sensor module to variable concentrations of volatiles emitted from SPME fiber is evaluated. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry studies prove that living bacteria, the typical infectious agents in clinical practice, can be distinguished from each other by means of a limited set of key volatile products. Principal component analysis results give the first indication that infected patients may be distinguished from uninfected patients. Microbial laboratory analysis using clinical samples verifies the performance of the system.

Clinical Application of Volatile Organic Compound Analysis for Detecting Infectious Diseases

“…An e-nose based on an array of metal-oxide semiconductor sensors was used to monitor bacterial volatiles in the headspaces from swabs and dressings taken from infected wounds and from uninfected swabs. Principal component analysis showed that volatile profiles identified from dressings of infected wounds may be used to discriminate infected from uninfected patients (128). In particular, reportedly, patterns of volatiles released from dressings of chronic wounds can be used to monitor the progress of wound healing (129).…”

Early identification of wound infection: understanding wound odour

“…Early results from that project have shown good differentiation between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus cultures 19 . Using a principal component analysis that was added later in the project to analyse the resultant VOC spectrum, the instrument has also been shown capable of differentiating between infected and uninfected burns by preconcentrating VOCs from swabs and wound dressing materials 40 . The WOUNDMONITOR has unfortunately not matured into commercial technologies, but have provided a scientific basis for the feasibility of applying e-nose technology in wound infection assessment.…”

A Comprehensive Review of Topical Odor-Controlling Treatment Options for Chronic Wounds

“…For example, Byun and associates 37 developed an e-nose that incorporated an automated solid-phase microextraction desorption system. Th is method allowed recognition of 3 bacteria species at the early stage of wound infection.…”