A breathomics database to identify, contextualise and validate biomarkers of respiratory conditions

Breath-based biomarker development relies on advanced technology to collect and analyse volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Traditionally, untargetted GC-MS analysis is prefered for biomarker discovery however this has limitations and makes comparisons of findings between studies difficult. Owlstone Medical's Breath Biopsy VOC Atlas is an ever-growing database of VOCs, alongside the levels and context in which they have been observed. The Atlas will support future breath studies, particularly in respiratory disease, by providing a reference composition of baseline levels in healthy populations, differentiated from background contamination, and identified using chemical standards. As part of initial development of the Atlas, breath and blank samples were collected using the ReCIVA Breath Sampler and analysed using thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS), with 157 compounds identified, quantified and incorporated into the Atlas. The contents cover a range of chemical classes and biological pathways, which will continue to expand as further research and clinical studies on respiratory populations are undertaken.