Microbial volatile organic compounds as indicators of fungi. Can an electronic nose detect fungi in indoor environments?

The paper presents a review of several studies on the detection of microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) considered as indicators of fungal contamination. As fungi produce specific profiles, or fingerprints of volatile compounds, the electronic nose technology is a very promising opportunity for rapid and non costly detection of fungi in buildings. E-noses are able to distinguish between mouldy and non-mouldy samples, and also to recognise certain species of fungi. However, two limiting factors may appear decisive for employment of electronic noses in indoor fungi detection: low concentrations of MVOCs and presence of interfering substances in indoor environments. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.