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Zou X, Lu Y, Xia L, Zhang Y, Li A, Wang H, Huang C, Shen C, Chu Y. Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds in a Drop of Urine by Ultrasonic Nebulization Extraction Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2018; 90:2210-2215. [PMID: 29281786 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b04563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in human urine has potential application value in screening for disease and toxin exposure. However, the current technologies are too slow to detect the concentration of VOCs in fresh urine. In this study, we developed a novel ultrasonic nebulization extraction proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (UNE-PTR-MS) technology. The urinary VOCs can be rapidly extracted to gaseous VOCs using the UNE system and then delivered using a carrier gas to the PTR-MS instrument for rapid detection. The carrier gas flow and sample size were optimized to 100 mL/min and 100 μL, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) and response time of the UNE-PTR-MS were evaluated by detecting three VOCs that are common in human urine: methanol, acetaldehyde, and acetone. The LODs determined for methanol (4.47 μg/L), acetaldehyde (1.98 μg/L), and acetone (3.47 μg/L) are 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than the mean concentrations of that in healthy human urine. The response time of the UNE-PTR-MS is 34 s and only 0.66 mL of urine is required for a full scan. The repeatability of this UNE-PTR-MS was evaluated, and the relative standard deviations of 5 independent determinations were between 4.62% and 5.21%. Lastly, the UNE-PTR-MS was applied for detection of methanol, acetaldehyde, and acetone in real human urine to test matrix effects, yielding relative recoveries of between 88.39% and 94.54%. These results indicate the UNE-PTR-MS can be used for the rapid detection of VOCs in a drop of urine and has practical potential for diagnosing disease or toxin exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zou
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Yating Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Aiyue Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Anhui Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Chaoqun Huang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Chengyin Shen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
| | - Yannan Chu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Center of Medical Physics and Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Hefei, Anhui 230031, China
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Filipiak W, Mochalski P, Filipiak A, Ager C, Cumeras R, Davis CE, Agapiou A, Unterkofler K, Troppmair J. A Compendium of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Released By Human Cell Lines. Curr Med Chem 2017; 23:2112-31. [PMID: 27160536 PMCID: PMC5086670 DOI: 10.2174/0929867323666160510122913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) offer unique insights into ongoing biochemical processes in healthy and diseased humans. Yet, their diagnostic use is hampered by the limited understanding of their biochemical or cellular origin and their frequently unclear link to the underlying diseases. Major advancements are expected from the analyses of human primary cells, cell lines and cultures of microorganisms. In this review, a database of 125 reliably identified VOCs previously reported for human healthy and diseased cells was assembled and their potential origin is discussed. The majority of them have also been observed in studies with other human matrices (breath, urine, saliva, feces, blood, skin emanations). Moreover, continuing improvements of qualitative and quantitative analyses, based on the recommendations of the ISO-11843 guidelines, are suggested for the necessary standardization of analytical procedures and better comparability of results. The data provided contribute to arriving at a more complete human volatilome and suggest potential volatile biomarkers for future validation. Dedication: This review is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Dr. Anton Amann, who sadly passed away on January 6, 2015. He was motivator and motor for the field of breath research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jakob Troppmair
- Daniel Swarovski Research Laboratory, Department of Visceral-, Transplant- and Thoracic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Batty CA, Cauchi M, Hunter JO, Woolner J, Baglin T, Turner C. Differences in microbial metabolites in urine headspace of subjects with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) detected by volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis and metabolomics. Clin Chim Acta 2016; 461:61-8. [PMID: 27475979 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2016.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
ITP is an organ-specific autoimmune disorder characterised by a low platelet count whose cause is uncertain. A possible factor is food intolerance, although much of the information linking this with ITP is anecdotal. The role of food intolerance in ITP was studied by replacing a normal diet with an elemental diet (E028), but this did not increase platelet counts. Clear differences, however, were apparent between the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the urine headspace of patients with ITP and those present in healthy volunteers, which leads to speculation that abnormal metabolic activity of the intestinal microbiome may be a factor causing ITP. However, further work is needed to confirm this. There were also differences between the VOCs of patients on a normal diet and those on the elemental diet, and in this case, the VOCs involved are very likely to be of bacterial origin, as their production is affected by dietary manipulation. Many of these VOCs are known to be toxic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A Batty
- Dept. Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Cauchi
- Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
| | - J O Hunter
- Gastroenterology Research Dept., Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Woolner
- Gastroenterology Research Dept., Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor Baglin
- Dept. of Haematology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Turner
- Dept. Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, United Kingdom
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Smith D, Španěl P. SIFT-MS and FA-MS methods for ambient gas phase analysis: developments and applications in the UK. Analyst 2015; 140:2573-91. [DOI: 10.1039/c4an02049a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The origins of SIFT created to study interstellar chemistry and SIFT-MS developed for ambient gas and exhaled breath analysis and the UK centres in which these techniques are being exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Smith
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine – Keele University
- Guy Hilton Research Centre
- Stoke-on-Trent
- UK
| | - Patrik Španěl
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine – Keele University
- Guy Hilton Research Centre
- Stoke-on-Trent
- UK
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry
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Detection of volatile malodorous compounds in breath: current analytical techniques and implications in human disease. Bioanalysis 2014; 6:357-76. [PMID: 24471956 DOI: 10.4155/bio.13.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
For the last few decades intense scientific research has been placed on the relationship between trace substances found in exhaled breath such as volatile organic compounds (VOC) and a wide range of local or systemic diseases. Although currently there is no general consensus, results imply that VOC have a different profile depending on the organ or disease that generates them. The association between a specific pathology and exhaled breath odor is particularly evident in patients with medical conditions such as liver, renal or oral diseases. In other cases the unpleasant odors can be associated with the whole body and have a genetic underlying cause. The present review describes the current advances in identifying and quantifying VOC used as biomarkers for a number of systemic diseases. A special focus will be placed on volatiles that characterize unpleasant breath 'fingerprints' such as fetor hepaticus; uremic fetor; fetor ex ore or trimethylaminuria.
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Lourenço C, Turner C. Breath analysis in disease diagnosis: methodological considerations and applications. Metabolites 2014; 4:465-98. [PMID: 24957037 PMCID: PMC4101517 DOI: 10.3390/metabo4020465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breath analysis is a promising field with great potential for non-invasive diagnosis of a number of disease states. Analysis of the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath with an acceptable accuracy are assessed by means of using analytical techniques with high sensitivity, accuracy, precision, low response time, and low detection limit, which are desirable characteristics for the detection of VOCs in human breath. "Breath fingerprinting", indicative of a specific clinical status, relies on the use of multivariate statistics methods with powerful in-built algorithms. The need for standardisation of sample collection and analysis is the main issue concerning breath analysis, blocking the introduction of breath tests into clinical practice. This review describes recent scientific developments in basic research and clinical applications, namely issues concerning sampling and biochemistry, highlighting the diagnostic potential of breath analysis for disease diagnosis. Several considerations that need to be taken into account in breath analysis are documented here, including the growing need for metabolomics to deal with breath profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Lourenço
- Department of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, Chemistry and Analytical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK.
| | - Claire Turner
- Department of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, Chemistry and Analytical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK.
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Amann A, Costello BDL, Miekisch W, Schubert J, Buszewski B, Pleil J, Ratcliffe N, Risby T. The human volatilome: volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath, skin emanations, urine, feces and saliva. J Breath Res 2014; 8:034001. [PMID: 24946087 DOI: 10.1088/1752-7155/8/3/034001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Breath analysis is a young field of research with its roots in antiquity. Antoine Lavoisier discovered carbon dioxide in exhaled breath during the period 1777-1783, Wilhelm (Vilém) Petters discovered acetone in breath in 1857 and Johannes Müller reported the first quantitative measurements of acetone in 1898. A recent review reported 1765 volatile compounds appearing in exhaled breath, skin emanations, urine, saliva, human breast milk, blood and feces. For a large number of compounds, real-time analysis of exhaled breath or skin emanations has been performed, e.g., during exertion of effort on a stationary bicycle or during sleep. Volatile compounds in exhaled breath, which record historical exposure, are called the 'exposome'. Changes in biogenic volatile organic compound concentrations can be used to mirror metabolic or (patho)physiological processes in the whole body or blood concentrations of drugs (e.g. propofol) in clinical settings-even during artificial ventilation or during surgery. Also compounds released by bacterial strains like Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Streptococcus pneumonia could be very interesting. Methyl methacrylate (CAS 80-62-6), for example, was observed in the headspace of Streptococcus pneumonia in concentrations up to 1420 ppb. Fecal volatiles have been implicated in differentiating certain infectious bowel diseases such as Clostridium difficile, Campylobacter, Salmonella and Cholera. They have also been used to differentiate other non-infectious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, alterations in urine volatiles have been used to detect urinary tract infections, bladder, prostate and other cancers. Peroxidation of lipids and other biomolecules by reactive oxygen species produce volatile compounds like ethane and 1-pentane. Noninvasive detection and therapeutic monitoring of oxidative stress would be highly desirable in autoimmunological, neurological, inflammatory diseases and cancer, but also during surgery and in intensive care units. The investigation of cell cultures opens up new possibilities for elucidation of the biochemical background of volatile compounds. In future studies, combined investigations of a particular compound with regard to human matrices such as breath, urine, saliva and cell culture investigations will lead to novel scientific progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Amann
- Univ-Clinic for Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr, 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria. Breath Research Institute of the University of Innsbruck, Rathausplatz 4, A-6850 Dornbirn, Austria
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Maurer F, Wolf A, Fink T, Rittershofer B, Heim N, Volk T, Baumbach JI, Kreuer S. Wash-out of ambient air contaminations for breath measurements. J Breath Res 2014; 8:027107. [DOI: 10.1088/1752-7155/8/2/027107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Wang Z, Wang C. Is breath acetone a biomarker of diabetes? A historical review on breath acetone measurements. J Breath Res 2013; 7:037109. [DOI: 10.1088/1752-7155/7/3/037109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Spanel P, Smith D. On the features, successes and challenges of selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2013; 19:225-246. [PMID: 24575622 DOI: 10.1255/ejms.1240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The major features of the selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) analytical method that was conceived and designed for the analysis, in real time, of air obviating sample collections into bags or extraction by pre-concentration of trace compounds onto surfaces are reviewed. The unique analytical capabilities of SIFT-MS for ambient analysis are stressed that allow quantification of volatile organic and inorganic compounds directly from the measurement of physical parameters without the need for regular instrumental calibration using internal or external standards. Then, emphasis is placed on the challenging real-time accurate analysis of single exhalations of humid breath, which is now achieved and readily facilitates wider applications of SIFT-MS in other fields where trace gas analysis has value. The quality of the data obtained by SIFT-MS is illustrated by the quantification of some exhaled breath metabolites that are of immediate relevance to physiology and medicine, including that of hydrogen cyanide in the breath of patients with cystic fibrosis. The current status of SIFT-MS is revealed by a form of a strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis intended to present an objective view of this analytical technique and the likely way forward towards its further development and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Spanel
- J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, DolejSkova 3, 182 23, Prague 8, Czech Republic
| | - David Smith
- lnstitute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Thornburrow Drive, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7QB, UK
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Sutak R, Hrdy I, Dolezal P, Cabala R, Sedinová M, Lewin J, Harant K, Müller M, Tachezy J. Secondary alcohol dehydrogenase catalyzes the reduction of exogenous acetone to 2-propanol in Trichomonas vaginalis. FEBS J 2012; 279:2768-80. [PMID: 22686835 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2012.08661.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Secondary alcohols such as 2-propanol are readily produced by various anaerobic bacteria that possess secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (S-ADH), although production of 2-propanol is rare in eukaryotes. Specific bacterial-type S-ADH has been identified in a few unicellular eukaryotes, but its function is not known and the production of secondary alcohols has not been studied. We purified and characterized S-ADH from the human pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis. The kinetic properties and thermostability of T. vaginalis S-ADH were comparable with bacterial orthologues. The substantial activity of S-ADH in the parasite's cytosol was surprising, because only low amounts of ethanol and trace amounts of secondary alcohols were detected as metabolic end products. However, S-ADH provided the parasite with a high capacity to scavenge and reduce external acetone to 2-propanol. To maintain redox balance, the demand for reducing power to metabolize external acetone was compensated for by decreased cytosolic reduction of pyruvate to lactate and by hydrogenosomal metabolism of pyruvate. We speculate that hydrogen might be utilized to maintain cytosolic reducing power. The high activity of Tv-S-ADH together with the ability of T. vaginalis to modulate the metabolic fluxes indicate efficacious metabolic responsiveness that could be advantageous for rapid adaptation of the parasite to changes in the host environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sutak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, Prague, Czech Republic
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12
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Buszewski B, Ligor T, Jezierski T, Wenda-Piesik A, Walczak M, Rudnicka J. Identification of volatile lung cancer markers by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry: comparison with discrimination by canines. Anal Bioanal Chem 2012; 404:141-6. [PMID: 22660158 PMCID: PMC3389235 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-012-6102-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In this work, a chromatographic method for identification of volatile organic compounds was compared with canine recognition. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–TOF MS) were used for determination of concentrations of trace gases present in human breath. The technique enables rapid determination of compounds in human breath, at the parts per billion level. Linear correlations were from 0.83–234.05 ppb, the limit of detection was the range 0.31–0.75 ppb, and precision, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), was less than 10.00 %. Moreover, trained dogs are able to discriminate breath samples of patients with diagnosed cancer. We found a positive correlation between dog indications and the ethyl acetate and 2-pentanone content of breath (r = 0.85 and r = 0.97, respectively). The methods presented for detection of lung cancer markers in exhaled air could be used as a potential non-invasive tool for screening. In addition, the canine method is relatively simple and inexpensive in comparison with chromatography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogusław Buszewski
- Chair of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalysis, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.
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Abstract
The topic of ambient gas analysis has been rapidly developed in the last few years with the evolution of the exciting new techniques such as DESI, DART and EESI. The essential feature of all is that analysis of trace gases can be accomplished either in the gas phase or those released from surfaces, crucially avoiding sample collection or modification. In this regard, selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry, SIFT-MS, also performs ambient analyses both accurately and rapidly. In this focused review we describe the underlying ion chemistry underpinning SIFT-MS through a discourse on the reactions of different classes of organic and inorganic molecules with H(3)O(+), NO(+) and O(2)(+)˙ studied using the SIFT technique. Rate coefficients and ion products of these reactions facilitate absolute SIFT-MS analyses and can also be useful for the interpretation of data obtained by the other ambient analysis methods mentioned above. The essential physics and flow dynamics of SIFT-MS are described that, together with the reaction kinetics, allow SIFT-MS to perform absolute ambient analyses of trace compounds in humid atmospheric air, exhaled breath and the headspace of aqueous liquids. Several areas of research that, through pilot experiments, are seen to benefit from ambient gas analysis using SIFT-MS are briefly reviewed. Special attention is given to exhaled breath and urine headspace analysis directed towards clinical diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring, and some other areas researched using SIFT-MS are summarised. Finally, extensions to current areas of application and indications of other directions in which SIFT-MS can be exploited for ambient analysis are alluded to.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Smith
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, School of Medicine, Keele University, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
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Spaněl P, Smith D. Progress in SIFT-MS: breath analysis and other applications. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2011; 30:236-267. [PMID: 20648679 DOI: 10.1002/mas.20303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2009] [Revised: 09/12/2009] [Accepted: 09/12/2009] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The development of selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry, SIFT-MS, is described from its inception as the modified very large SIFT instruments used to demonstrate the feasibility of SIFT-MS as an analytical technique, towards the smaller but bulky transportable instruments and finally to the current smallest Profile 3 instruments that have been located in various places, including hospitals and schools to obtain on-line breath analyses. The essential physics and engineering principles are discussed, which must be appreciated to design and construct a SIFT-MS instrument. The versatility and sensitivity of the Profile 3 instrument is illustrated by typical mass spectra obtained using the three precursor ions H(3)O(+), NO(+) and O(2)(+)·, and the need to account for differential ionic diffusion and mass discrimination in the analytical algorithms is emphasized to obtain accurate trace gas analyses. The performance of the Profile 3 instrument is illustrated by the results of several pilot studies, including (i) on-line real time quantification of several breath metabolites for cohorts of healthy adults and children, which have provided representative concentration/population distributions, and the comparative analyses of breath exhaled via the mouth and nose that identify systemic and orally-generated compounds, (ii) the enhancement of breath metabolites by drug ingestion, (iii) the identification of HCN as a marker of Pseudomonas colonization of the airways and (iv) emission of volatile compounds from urine, especially ketone bodies, and from skin. Some very recent developments are discussed, including the quantification of carbon dioxide in breath and the combination of SIFT-MS with GC and ATD, and their significance. Finally, prospects for future SIFT-MS developments are alluded to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Spaněl
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Dolejškova 3, 182 23, Prague 8, Czech Republic.
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Enderby B, Lenney W, Brady M, Emmett C, Španěl P, Smith D. Concentrations of some metabolites in the breath of healthy children aged 7–18 years measured using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS). J Breath Res 2009; 3:036001. [DOI: 10.1088/1752-7155/3/3/036001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Smith D, Wang T, Pysanenko A, Spanel P. A selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry study of ammonia in mouth- and nose-exhaled breath and in the oral cavity. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2008; 22:783-789. [PMID: 18275096 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.3434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A study has been carried out, involving three healthy volunteers, of the ammonia levels in breath exhaled via the mouth and via the nose and in the static oral cavity using on-line, selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS), obviating the problems associated with sample collection of ammonia. The unequivocal conclusion drawn is that the ammonia appearing in the mouth-exhaled breath of the three volunteers is largely generated in the oral cavity and that the ammonia originating at the alveolar interface in the lungs is typically at levels less than about 100 parts-per-billion, which is a small fraction of the total breath ammonia. This leads to the recommendation that exhaled breath analyses should focus on nose-exhaled breath if the objective is to use breath analysis to investigate systemic, metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Smith
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, School of Medicine, Keele University, Thornburrow Drive, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7QB, UK.
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Senthilmohan ST, Kettle AJ, McEwan MJ, Dummer J, Edwards SJ, Wilson PF, Epton MJ. Detection of monobromamine, monochloramine and dichloramine using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry and their relevance as breath markers. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2008; 22:677-681. [PMID: 18257115 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.3418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We report a fast, sensitive, real-time method to measure monobromamine, monochloramine and dichloramine using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS). Relative rate coefficients and product distributions are reported for the reagent ions H3O+ and O2 +. Rapid reactions with the haloamines were observed with H3O+ and O2 + but no fast reaction was found with NO+. A slow reaction between NO+ and dichloramine was observed. We demonstrate the feasibility of determining these compounds in a single human breath for which the limit of detection is approaching 10 parts per billion (ppb). We also report preliminary measurements of these compounds in the breath of individuals where the concentrations of bromamine and chloramine ranged from 10 to 150 ppb.
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Spanĕl P, Smith D. Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry for on-line trace gas analysis in biology and medicine. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2007; 13:77-82. [PMID: 17878543 DOI: 10.1255/ejms.843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry, (SIFT-MS), is a technique for simultaneous real-time quantification of several trace gases in air and exhaled breath. It relies on chemical ionization of the trace gas molecules in air/breath samples introduced into helium carrier gas, using H(3)O(+), NO(+) and O(2)(+) reagent (precursor ions). Reactions between the precursor ions and the trace gas molecules proceed for an accurately defined time, the precursor and product ions being detected and counted by a downstream mass spectrometer. Absolute concentrations of trace gases in single breath exhalation can be determined by SIFT-MS down to parts-per-billion (ppb) levels, obviating sample collection into bags or onto traps. Calibration using chemical standards is not required, as the concentrations are calculated using the known reaction rate constants and measured flow rates and pressures. SIFT-MS has been used for many pilot investigations in several areas of research, especially as a non-invasive breath analysis tool to investigate physiological processes in humans and animals, for clinical diagnosis and for therapeutic monitoring. Examples of the results obtained from several such studies are outlined to demonstrate the potential of SIFT-MS for trace gas analysis of air, exhaled breath and the headspace above liquids.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Spanĕl
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Dolejskova 3, Prague, 18223 Czech Republic
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Smith D, Wang T, Spanel P, Bloor R. The increase of breath ammonia induced by niacin ingestion quantified by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry. Physiol Meas 2006; 27:437-44. [PMID: 16603796 DOI: 10.1088/0967-3334/27/6/001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The ingestion of relatively large doses of the vitamin niacin by healthy volunteers results in a reddening of the skin, a skin 'flush'. Thus, we have carried out a study of the breath metabolites of two healthy volunteers following (i) the ingestion of 200 mg of immediate-release niacin, (ii) as (i) but preceded by the ingestion of 325 mg of aspirin that diminishes the skin 'flush', (iii) ingestion of 500 mg of slow-release niacin. On-line breath analysis was carried out using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry, SIFT-MS. The interesting new observation is that the breath ammonia levels of both volunteers clearly increased following (i) and (ii), and an obvious skin flush did occur following (i) but not following (ii). The slow-release niacin (iii) did not result in a flush and the breath ammonia levels increased more slowly and did not reach the higher levels produced by (i) and (ii). The results of these experiments demonstrate that breath ammonia levels are dependent on the blood/plasma levels of niacin, but are not directly related to the flushing phenomenon, and that the observed increases in blood/breath ammonia levels are consistent with current knowledge of the metabolic pathways of niacin. The parallel measurements of breath isoprene are presented, which demonstrate the quality of breath analyses that can be achieved using SIFT-MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Smith
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, School of Medicine, Keele University, Thornburrow Drive, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7QB, UK.
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Turner C, Spanel P, Smith D. A longitudinal study of ammonia, acetone and propanol in the exhaled breath of 30 subjects using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry, SIFT-MS. Physiol Meas 2006; 27:321-37. [PMID: 16537976 DOI: 10.1088/0967-3334/27/4/001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry, SIFT-MS, has been used to monitor the volatile compounds in the exhaled breath of 30 volunteers (19 males, 11 females) over a 6 month period. Volunteers provided breath samples each week between 8:45 am and 1 pm (before lunch), and the concentrations of several trace compounds were obtained. In this paper the focus is on ammonia, acetone and propanol. It was found that the concentration distributions of these compounds in breath were close to log-normal. The median ammonia level estimated as a geometric mean for all samples was 833 parts per billion (ppb) with a multiplicative standard deviation of 1.62, the values ranging from 248 to 2935 ppb. Breath ammonia clearly increased with increasing age in this volunteer cohort. The geometric mean acetone level for all samples was 477 parts per billion (ppb) with a multiplicative standard deviation of 1.58, the values ranging from 148 to 2744 ppb. The median propanol level for all samples was 18 ppb, the values ranging from 0 to 135 ppb. A weak but significant correlation between breath propanol and acetone levels is apparent in the data. The findings indicate the potential value of SIFT-MS as a non-invasive breath analysis technique for investigating volatile compounds in human health and in the diseased state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Turner
- Silsoe Research Institute, Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4HS, UK.
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Smith D, Spanel P. Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) for on-line trace gas analysis. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2005; 24:661-700. [PMID: 15495143 DOI: 10.1002/mas.20033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 438] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) is a new analytical technique for the real-time quantification of several trace gases simultaneously in air and breath. It relies on chemical ionization of the trace gas molecules in air/breath samples introduced into helium carrier gas using H(3)O(+), NO(+), and O(2) (+.) precursor ions. Reactions between the precursor ions and trace gas molecules proceed for an accurately defined time, the precursor and product ions being detected and counted by a downstream mass spectrometer, thus effecting quantification. Absolute concentrations of trace gases in single breath exhalation can be determined by SIFT-MS down to ppb levels, obviating sample collection and calibration. Illustrative examples of SIFT-MS studies include (i) analysis of gases from combustion engines, animals and their waste, and food; (ii) breath and urinary headspace studies of metabolites, ethanol metabolism, elevated acetone during ovulation, and exogenous compounds; and (iii) urinary infection and the presence of tumors, the influence of dialysis on breath ammonia, acetone, and isoprene, and acetaldehyde released by cancer cells in vitro. Flowing afterglow mass spectrometry (FA-MS) is briefly described, which allows on-line quantification of deuterium in breath water vapor.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Smith
- Institute of Science and Technology in Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Keele, Thornburrow Drive, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7QB, United Kingdom.
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Deng C, Li N, Wang X, Zhang X, Zeng J. Rapid determination of acetone in human blood by derivatization with pentafluorobenzyl hydroxylamine followed by headspace liquid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2005; 19:647-653. [PMID: 15700238 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.1834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In the current work, a simple, rapid, accurate and inexpensive method was developed for the determination of acetone in human blood. The proposed method is based on derivatization with O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine hydrochloride (PFBHA), followed by headspace liquid-phase microextraction (HS-LPME) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In the present method, acetone in blood samples was derivatized with PFBHA and acetone oxime formed in several seconds. The formed oxime was enriched by HS-LPME using the organic solvent film (OSF) formed in a microsyringe barrel as extraction interface. Finally, the enriched oxime was analyzed by GC/MS in electron ionization (EI) mode. HS-LPME parameters including solvent, syringe plunger withdrawal rate, sampling volume, and extraction cycle were optimized and the method reproducibility, linearity, recovery and detection limit were studied. The proposed method was applied to determination of acetone in diabetes blood and normal blood. It has been shown that derivatization with HS-LPME and GC/MS is an alternative method for determination of the diabetes biomarker, acetone, in blood samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Deng
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Current literature in mass spectrometry. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2003; 38:781-792. [PMID: 12898659 DOI: 10.1002/jms.410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
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