Sampling, Detection, Identification, and Analysis of Bacterial Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Bacterial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are signaling molecules mediating diverse inter- and intra-kingdom communication processes. Investigations to characterize bacterial VOCs according to their chemical nature, production, and emission into the environment need appropriate methods of sampling, detection, identification, and data analysis. Each of these individual steps requires careful examination of the biological question and its technical implementation. In the following chapter, we focus on various methods, which are currently used to sample, detect, identify, and analyze bacterial VOCs highlighting their advantages and/or limitations.