Comparative FT-IR Spectroscopy Salivary Profiles of University Students: E‑Cigarette Users vs Nonusers

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Oral Health

Background:

• E-cigarette use is prevalent among young adults.
• The impact of e-cigarettes on salivary composition is not fully understood.
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) is a sensitive technique for biochemical analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate biochemical alterations in saliva of e-cigarette users compared to non-users.
• To utilize FT-IR spectroscopy for detecting these changes.
• To assess the potential impact on salivary functions.

Main Methods:

• Saliva samples were collected from 60 university students (30 e-cigarette users, 30 non-users).
• FT-IR spectra were acquired and preprocessed.
• Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification was employed to analyze spectral data in specific regions (3050-2800 cm⁻¹, 1720-1490 cm⁻¹, 1200-900 cm⁻¹).

Main Results:

• Distinct spectral differences were observed between e-cigarette users and non-users, particularly in the amide region (1720-1490 cm⁻¹), suggesting protein alterations.
• The amide region showed the best classification performance (accuracy ~0.65, F1-score ~0.72, AUC ~0.73).
• E-cigarette users showed unique spectral bands and shifts indicative of biochemical changes.

Conclusions:

• E-cigarette use may induce measurable biochemical changes in saliva, affecting protein and lipid vibrational modes.
• These salivary alterations could potentially impair oral defense mechanisms.
• Dental professionals should counsel patients on the potential oral health risks associated with e-cigarette use.