Applied Life Sciences: Chemical Signals in Skin-Derived Biofluids

Skin surface has become a focal point of interest due to its potential as an easily accessible source of information about human body through the secretion of sweat and sebum, and the emanation of volatile compounds (collectively known as skin gas). The skin-derived biofluids and their constituents are gaining increasing attention as novel biological samples for metabolomics, potential biomarkers for human health and welfare, and sources of body odor. These biofluids are well-suited to wearable sensing technologies to solve current medical challenges by providing continuous, real-time information through dynamic, non-invasive measurements of biomarkers. Therefore, investigating chemical signals in sweat, sebum, and skin gas represents a frontier in research and intensive studies are required focusing on their chemical components in relation to physical, physiological, and mental health, disease status, daily activities such as diet and cosmetic use, and the living or occupational environment.

In this Topical Collection on "Chemical signals in skin-derived biofluids", we invite colleagues to submit research and review works that share new knowledge on the subject, spanning from basic research to practical applications. This collection covers a wide range of areas, including analytical and sensing methodologies, metabolomics, research involving human and animal subjects, clinical applications, and studies on environmental impacts. The goal of this collection is to provide a platform for promoting the utilization of skin-based biological information, fostering a smarter, less stressful, and more environmentally benign society.