Abstract:

Here we analyzed for the firtst time volatile metabolites from five species of Listeria were systematically by gas
chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Cultures of all the Listeria species shared the common volatile metabolites:
three ketones, two aldehydes, two alkanes and four other substances. There were significant differences in the relative
content of the common volatile metabolites among these Listeria cultures (P < 0.05). The new volatile metabolites ethanol,
acetone, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, butyl acetate, 3-(methylthio) propanal and 6-butyl nonane as well as those unique to each
strain were formed. Specific chemical barcodes were established for the unique smell of each strain. Effetive discrimination
among the five Listeria strains was perfomed using electronic nose. The chemical barcodes hold promise for the nondestructive,
rapid idfentification and detection of Listeria strains.

Key words: gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, electronic nose, volatile metabolites, fingerprint