title: Artificial noses.
abstract: The mammalian olfactory system is able to detect many more odorants than the number of receptors it has by utilizing cross-reactive odorant receptors that generate unique response patterns for each odorant. Mimicking the mammalian system, artificial noses combine cross-reactive sensor arrays with pattern recognition algorithms to create robust odor-discrimination systems. The first artificial nose reported in 1982 utilized a tin-oxide sensor array. Since then, however, a wide range of sensor technologies have been developed and commercialized. This review highlights the most commonly employed sensor types in artificial noses: electrical, gravimetric, and optical sensors. The applications of nose systems are also reviewed, covering areas such as food and beverage quality control, chemical warfare agent detection, and medical diagnostics. A brief discussion of future trends for the technology is also provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252, USA. sstitzel@towson.edu
authors.forename: Shannon E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Stitzel
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Aernecke
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Walt
mesh_terms: D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D002618:Chemical Warfare / Q000517:prevention & control; D003124:Colorimetry; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D005453:Fluorescence; D005504:Food Analysis / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D009666:Nose / Q000502:physiology*; D009812:Odorants / Q000032:analysis*; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D011786:Quality Control; D018035:Receptors, Odorant / Q000502:physiology; D012666:Semiconductors; D012903:Smell / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D018035:Receptors, Odorant