Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Exercise-Induced Breath Metabolites, Lipids, and Proteins Using Wearable Cold-Mask Sampling.

A cold-mask wearable device was developed that successfully condenses exhaled breath metabolites, lipids, and proteins for downstream mass spectrometric analysis.

• The device collects exhaled breath condensate (EBC) during both pre- and postexercise states.
• The cold-mask design allows simultaneous capture of multiple classes of biomolecules from a single breath collection session.
• The collected condensate was subjected to mass spectrometry-based multiomics analysis covering metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics.

Significant changes in exhaled breath metabolites were observed between pre- and postexercise states.

• Exercise-induced alterations in breath metabolite profiles were detected using mass spectrometry.
• The metabolomics data contributed to elucidation of exercise-induced metabolic pathways.
• The study identified specific metabolites that differed significantly between pre- and postexercise breath samples.

Significant changes in exhaled breath lipids were detected between pre- and postexercise states.

• Lipidomics analysis of exhaled breath condensate revealed exercise-induced lipid profile alterations.
• Lipid changes were captured using the cold-mask device and analyzed by mass spectrometry.
• The lipidomic findings contributed to a broader understanding of exercise-related physiological processes.

Significant changes in exhaled breath proteins were identified between pre- and postexercise states.

• Proteomics analysis of exhaled breath condensate revealed exercise-induced protein profile changes.
• The cold-mask device was capable of condensing sufficient protein material from exhaled breath for mass spectrometric detection.
• Protein changes complemented metabolite and lipid findings to provide comprehensive molecular information.

Multiomics integration of breath metabolites, lipids, and proteins elucidated exercise-induced metabolic pathways.

• The combined metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics approach provided comprehensive molecular information about exercise-related breath alterations.
• Exercise-induced metabolic pathways were further characterized based on the multiomics data.
• Prior breath analysis methods were noted to be typically limited to tracking a single class of biomarkers, whereas this approach captured multiple biomolecule classes simultaneously.

The cold-mask wearable device offers a promising approach for monitoring dynamic breath changes during exercise.

• The device enables real-time or near-real-time monitoring of physiological conditions during exercise.
• The wearable format allows collection during actual exercise activity rather than requiring stationary sampling setups.
• The authors conclude the device 'offers new insights into exercise-induced physiological processes.'