Ion mobility spectrometry for the monitoring of volatile biomarkers: A review of clinical applications

Medicine is constantly evolving to find new and better ways to diagnose and monitor diseases. The detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in clinical samples is emerging as a non-invasive alternative and is loaded with valuable biomedical information. VOCs are potential biomarkers for disease detection and various clinical applications. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has emerged as a valuable analytical technique for this purpose, offering high sensitivity, rapid results and the ability to analyse complex samples. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent developments in the use of IMS for the analysis of VOCs in various types of clinical samples, including exhaled breath, urine, faeces, blood and tissue. The diagnostic and monitoring potential of the VOCs in various diseases, including infectious pathologies, inflammatory diseases and various forms of cancer, was evaluated. It also discusses the future prospects and developments needed to achieve effective integration of IMS into clinical routine. [Display omitted] •Volatile organic compounds are potential biomarkers for clinical applications.•Ion mobility spectrometry emerged as a valuable analytical technique.•Revolutionary non-invasive diagnostic tool for medical applications.•Clinical samples included exhaled breath, urine, faeces, blood and tissue.•IMS could be effectively integrated into clinical routine.