Capturing the microbial volatilome: an oft overlooked 'ome'.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Metabolomics
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Microbial communities produce a diverse array of metabolites, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Current metabolomic studies primarily focus on nonvolatile compounds, neglecting the significant role of VOCs.
• VOCs function as metabolic substrates, products, and signaling molecules within microbial ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the understudied 'volatilome' as a missing component in microbial metabolomics.
• To propose a roadmap for integrating volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis with existing 'omics approaches.
• To emphasize the potential of real-time VOC measurements for advancing microbial ecological studies.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of current metabolomic and VOC detection technologies.
• Conceptual framework for integrating volatile and nonvolatile metabolomics.
• Discussion of advancements in simultaneous VOC observation techniques.

Main Results:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represent a significant, yet overlooked, aspect of microbial metabolism.
• Advances in detection technology enable comprehensive analysis of microbial volatilomes.
• Integrating VOCs addresses limitations in discrete 'omics sampling strategies.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of microbial processes requires the inclusion of volatile metabolites.
• Integrating VOC analysis into metabolomics provides a more complete picture of microbial community functions.
• Future research should focus on the conceptual and practical integration of volatilomics.