Targeted Analysis Of Volatile Metabolites From The Gut Microbiome In Exhaled Breath

Breathomics offers a non-invasive, real-time window into microbial metabolism, capturing gut-derived metabolites that directly interact with the host. Exhaled breath contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that reflect key metabolic and microbial processes, including short-chain fatty acids, indoles, sulphur compounds, and alcohols. Compared with stool-based analysis, breath-based metabolomics enables real-time assessment of gut–host interactions without the need for invasive sampling.

A case study in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) demonstrates this potential: breath VOC profiles revealed microbial signatures consistent with dysbiosis and markers of gut barrier integrity.

To enable systematic and standardized research, the Breath Biopsy® Microbiome Panel offers a curated set of 36 biologically relevant microbial metabolites. When integrated with the Breath Biopsy VOC Atlas®, it provides comprehensive chemical, biological, and clinical context to aid in accelerating discovery and translation in microbiome research.

This poster was presented by Dr. Huw Davies at the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week 2025.

Enabling Remote Microbiome Analysis

To further support microbiome research, Owlstone Medical has developed the OMED Health Breath Analyzer, a portable device and app that enable decentralised collection and analysis of hydrogen and methane levels, allowing longitudinal assessment of gut microbial activity in real-world settings. To find out more, get in touch with our team.