Testing a System for the Nondestructive Collection of Biological Volatiles

Growing interest in using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as markers of biological function and health has highlighted the need for a standardized method to analyze gas metabolites released by biological organisms. Non-destructive VOC collection techniques have emerged, allowing researchers to study diseases over time without compromising the sample. However, continuous sampling is often not performed, and previous systems have not undergone rigorous testing. To overcome current limitations, we developed a gas flow-based device and tested it for consistent headspace sweeping, cell viability and morphology, and detection accuracy. The results showed that the device offers a high degree of reproducibility, and our modeling shows that laminar flow conditions are maintained at experimental gas flow rates, ensuring consistent headspace sweeping. Furthermore, our modular design allowed us to adjust the temperature and input gas, allowing us to maintain a favorable environment for cell culture. Isotopic labeling and heavy VOC production confirmed that the system achieves sufficient sensitivity and reproducibility to monitor metabolic changes across time. This comprehensive evaluation demonstrates that our flow-based device has great potential in further research and subsequent clinical applications.