Advances in volatile organic compound biomarker detection

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of biological origin represent a promising source of noninvasive biomarkers for a wide range of biomedical applications. These compounds can be detected in various sample types, including breath, urine, blood, sweat, and more. The scientific exploration of VOCs, known as volatilomics, has its roots in the 1970's with research focusing on identifying novel biomarkers for cancers, metabolic disorders, and infectious diseases. This chapter explores the breadth of viable biological samples for VOC analysis and highlights recent technological advancements in both sampling and analytical techniques. We also delve into sophisticated data processing strategies and methods for selecting high-confidence biomarkers. State-of-the-art studies in VOC discovery are reviewed, with particular attention to the most investigated diseases and sample types. Additionally, we examine ongoing efforts and initiatives aimed at addressing key challenges in the field, such as elucidating the biological origins of VOCs and achieving robust clinical validation. Finally, we present innovative approaches for early and at-home disease detection, including the development of synthetic breath-based biomarkers, which hold significant potential for future clinical applications.