Development of a method for metabolomic analysis of exhaled air by GC×GC-MS with non-invasive collection based on sorption devices

Abstract

Metabolomics is defined as the comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the set of metabolites present in a biological system, being able to identify metabolic signatures directly related to exogenous and endogenous changes in the individuals under study from a wide range of matrices. Exhaled air is a complex biological matrix that has thousands of compounds and has been gaining interest as a non-invasive collection matrix. The expression level of the entire set of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is related to the metabolic state of an organism, and although the volatile fraction comprises less than 1% of the total volume of exhaled air, it can contain hundreds and thousands of VOCs that can be detected, identified and quantified with appropriate analytical instrumentation. Thus, the analysis of the volatile fraction of exhaled air is a field of research that is increasingly asserting itself as a valuable tool. However, the lack of information related to the optimization and standardization of methods in the literature reinforces the need for new studies involving modern instrumentation and technologies, seeking to obtain reliable and relevant data. This project aims to develop and evaluate a method for collecting and analyzing exhaled air using disposable devices based on the sorption of bioaerosol particles from the exhaled air of volunteers and synthetic samples. For the analysis, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS) will be used, the metabolites analyzed by MS techniques will have their spectra compared with the literature for identification and processing of data will be performed with the aid of chemometric tools.