Detecting diseases through body odor? New laser technology shows potential for non-invasive diagnostics

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS and the Technical University of Dresden have tested a new approach for investigating disease-related changes in body odor. Using laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy, they analyzed volatile organic compounds in simple body swabs. An initial study revealed differences between samples from healthy individuals and those from people with Parkinson’s disease, COVID-19, and other diseases. The results, published in Scientific Reports, demonstrate the method’s potential for faster preliminary screenings in the future.

Body odor as a source of information for diagnostics

Diseases can alter the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and thus body odor. These characteristic odor patterns can be detected in exhaled breath and bodily fluids—the human volatilome. However, existing analytical methods are often complex, time-consuming and require specialized personnel. As a result, rapid, simple methods suitable for widespread onsite use are lacking.

The research team from Fraunhofer IIS and TU Dresden combined a simple method for collecting samples from participants with highly sensitive laser measurement technology. Swab samples were taken from the anterior nasal cavity, the navel and the outer ear. A spectrometer then recorded the patterns of volatile compounds. The nasal swab proved particularly promising.

Laser technology reveals the composition of disease-related body odors

The measurement system developed at Fraunhofer IIS uses widely tunable quantum cascade lasers and a sensitive photoacoustic detector. It generates a characteristic spectral fingerprint of the VOCs. Statistical analysis showed that the scope of measurement can be significantly reduced without losing relevant information. This paves the way for the development of a compact, fast and cost-effective measurement technique.

Initial study provides promising evidence

This proof-of-concept study was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. Twenty-four participants were randomly selected from a large-scale study (SMELLODI): six healthy controls and six people each with Parkinson’s disease, COVID-19 and other conditions. Additional measurements of samples from three participants with Parkinson’s disease after two weeks provided initial evidence that the results were stable over time.

The results are not a substitute for a medical diagnosis. Before the technology can be used in a clinical setting, larger studies involving a more diverse range of participants under real-world conditions are necessary. In the long term, however, the technology could provide early indications of potential diseases and support decisions about further testing.

Fraunhofer IIS developed the experimental setup, conducted the laboratory measurements and performed statistical analysis of the data. The Technical University of Dresden contributed medical and clinical expertise and coordinated recruitment, diagnosis and sample collection.

Provided by
Fraunhofer-Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen IIS

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