Study of sampling phases for body odor sampling prior to analysis by TD-GC×GC/ToFMS

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Body odor analysis involves complex volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with diagnostic potential.
• Standardized methodologies are lacking, hindering progress in body odor analysis.
• Current methods like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) yield variable results due to diverse sampling techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare five direct body odor sampling phases for analytical cleanliness and VOC trapping/release efficiency.
• To identify optimal sampling methods for reliable body odor analysis.
• To validate findings with real body odor samples and determine optimal sampling duration.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of five sampling phases: gauze, glass beads, PowerSorb®, Getxent® microtubes, and passive sampling pillows (PSP).
• Thermodesorption used for simplified protocol and minimized contamination/sample loss.
• High-sensitivity analysis using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC/ToFMS).

Main Results:

• Passive sampling pillows (PSP) achieved 95% mean recovery yield with 22% variability.
• PowerSorb® demonstrated 71% mean recovery yield with 10% variability.
• Optimal sampling duration for real body odor samples estimated between 30 min and 1 h.

Conclusions:

• PSP and PowerSorb® are effective sampling solutions for body odor analysis.
• Sorbent phases lacking analytical cleanliness, like gauze, pose risks for accurate VOC detection.
• Standardized sampling methods are essential for advancing body odor analysis in medicine and diagnostics.