Compositions and methods for simultaneous detection of volatile sulfur compounds and polyamines

Abstract

Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for the rapid and facile simultaneous detection of malodorous bacterial metabolites in samples of expired breath and other fluids. The invention enables estimation, by simple visual inspection and comparison against standards, of the concentration of polyamines and volatile sulfur compounds in the micromolar to millimolar range.

1 . A matrix impregnated with a chromogenic composition useful for the detection of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), comprising DTNB, a buffer, and highly purified water as solvent, wherein the matrix is selected from matrices that are inert. 
     
     
         2 . A matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the matrix is a filter paper disk. 
     
     
         3 . A matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the matrix is cotton. 
     
     
         4 . A matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the matrix is a polysaccharide. 
     
     
         5 . The matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is stable for 12 months at room temperature.