Real-time monitoring of exhaled volatiles using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization on a compact mass spectrometer.
OBJECTIVE
Breath analyses have potential to detect early signs of disease onset. Ambient ionization allows direct combination of breath gases with MS for fast, on-line analysis. Portable MS systems would facilitate field/clinic-based breath analyses. Results & methodology: Volunteers ingested peppermint oil capsules and exhaled volatile compounds were monitored over 10 h using a compact mass spectrometer. A rise and fall in exhaled menthone was observed, peaking at 60-120 min. Real-time analysis showed a gradual rise in exhaled menthone postingestion. Sensitivity was comparable to established methods, with detection in the parts per trillion range.


CONCLUSIONS
Breath volatiles were readily analyzed on a portable mass spectrometer through a simple inlet modification. Induced changes in exhaled profiles were detectable with high sensitivity and measurable in real-time.
Centre for Analytical Science, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.|School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.|Department of Cardiovascular Sciences & NIHR Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, University of Leicester, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester LE3 9QP, UK.
Liam M
LM
Heaney
Centre for Analytical Science, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.
Dorota M
DM
Ruszkiewicz
Centre for Analytical Science, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.
Kayleigh L
KL
Arthur
Centre for Analytical Science, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.
Andria
A
Hadjithekli
Advion UK Ltd, Edinburgh Way, Harlow CM20 2NQ, UK.
Clive
C
Aldcroft
School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.
Martin R
MR
Lindley
Centre for Analytical Science, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.
Cl Paul
CP
Thomas
Centre for Analytical Science, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.
Matthew A
MA
Turner
Centre for Analytical Science, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.
James C
JC
Reynolds
D000328:Adult; D001274:Atmospheric Pressure; D001944:Breath Tests / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D045853:Exhalation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D036142:Mentha piperita; D008610:Menthol / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D012119:Respiration; D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D055815:Young Adult
D010938:Plant Oils; D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds; D008610:Menthol; C019466:menthone; C015424:peppermint oil
MS; atmospheric pressure chemical ionization; exhaled breath; metabolism; volatile organic compounds