Volatomics in healthcare: technical basis and clinical application

Volatilome is a collection of all volatile compounds, both organic and inorganic, the source of which is the object under study. Unlike the metabolome, which includes only compounds of endogenous origin, the concept of volatilome includes substances of both endogenous and exogenous origin. Exhaled air volatilome contains thousands of metabolites and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are formed both in the respiratory tract and in the systems of internal organs and tissues. The study of the chemical composition of human exhalation can provide clinically useful information about the state of human health, while the studies are non-invasive and safe for the patient. The instrumental methods used in the study of human volatilome make it possible to online examine large numbers of patients. All this contributes to a high interest on the part of the medical community in the study of human exhaled air volatilome and suggests that the methods of these research methods have a high potential for implementation in clinical practice.