Integrating VOC-Based Signatures and in Silico Approaches: A Conceptual Framework for the Management of Respiratory Tract Infections

Authors

  • John Onyebuchi Ogbodo Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria Author
  • Chizaramekpere Grace Ogbodo Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria Author
  • Ifeoma Felicia Chukwuma Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria Author
  • Chinyere Olivia Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria Author
  • Simeon Ikechukwu Egba Department of Biochemistry, Research and Extension, Kampala University, Kampala, Uganda Author
  • Samuel Ibezim Orjiocha Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria Author
  • Chinazom Precious Agbo Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria Author
  • Chima Ojimadu Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64229/k2wgyp30

Keywords:

Volatile organic compounds, Nasal cavity, Respiratory infection, In silico, Screening tools

Abstract

Volatile organic compound (VOC)-based signatures and in silico approaches offer promising strategies for early disease diagnosis and improved nasal drug delivery in the management of respiratory disorders. VOCs are of both natural and anthropogenic origin. They are low-molecular-weight (MW) metabolic compounds characterised by high vapour pressure and low boiling points. Emerging evidence shows that specific microbial VOC profiles are associated with distinct disease states, as observed in patient-derived samples. These compounds can serve as biomarkers for pathogen identification and disease characterisation when analysed using advanced analytical techniques and computational models. In silico stimulation may further enable the optimisation of nasal drug delivery systems by enhancing drug bioavailability and circumventing first-pass metabolism. Chronic exposure to anthropogenic VOCs through one’s occupation can impair respiratory health, increasing susceptibility to infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and influenza, while compromising mucosal integrity, which is critical for both immune defence and effective intranasal drug absorption. This study explores the potential of VOC-based signatures (biomarkers) and computational modelling as integrated tools to improve nasal drug delivery strategies for managing respiratory diseases.

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2026-07-06

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026)

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Copyright (c) 2026 John Onyebuchi Ogbodo, Chizaramekpere Grace Ogbodo, Ifeoma Felicia Chukwuma, Chinyere Olivia, Simeon Ikechukwu Egba, Samuel Ibezim Orjiocha, Chinazom Precious Agbo, Chima Ojimadu (Author)

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How to Cite

Ogbodo, J. O., Ogbodo, C. G., Chukwuma, I. F. ., Olivia, C. ., Egba, S. I., Orjiocha, S. I. ., Agbo, C. P. ., & Ojimadu , C. (2026). Integrating VOC-Based Signatures and in Silico Approaches: A Conceptual Framework for the Management of Respiratory Tract Infections. Respiratory Research and Treatment, 1(1), 57-70. https://doi.org/10.64229/k2wgyp30