Human body-odor components and their determination

Abstract

We review methodological approaches commonly employed for the determination of human-body-odor (BO) components. As a first step, we evaluate the common types of BO and the sampling and/or preconcentration strategies for them. We also emphasize the potential for odor components as a health-diagnosis tool. We critically evaluate gas chromatography-based detection methods in terms of their feasibility for human-BO monitoring. We also discuss recently developed on-line detection methods, especially sensor-based techniques to assess their potential in the determination of odorant components released by the human body. Finally, we highlight the limitations and the future prospects for investigation of human BO. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.