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Editorial

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Open AccessEditorial

Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources

by Ki-Hyun Kim

Sensors 2014, 14(4), 6567-6570; https://doi.org/10.3390/s140406567 - 9 Apr 2014

Viewed by 6446

Abstract

People encounter enormous numbers of chemicals present in the outdoor atmosphere and/or in the various facilities they use daily. Despite such diversity, not many of them have necessarily the potential to draw human’s nasal attraction if their perception thresholds are in general not [...] Read more.

People encounter enormous numbers of chemicals present in the outdoor atmosphere and/or in the various facilities they use daily. Despite such diversity, not many of them have necessarily the potential to draw human’s nasal attraction if their perception thresholds are in general not sufficiently low enough, regardless of abundance. In this sense, many types of scents, musks, fragrances, smells, odors, and pheromones are unique enough to draw a great deal of attention mainly by their presence at or near threshold levels which are far lower than those of common chemicals with poor odorant characteristics. It is known that most of the diverse characters of odor-related ingredients or expressions are commonly produced from various biota sources present in the biosphere, e.g., fauna, flora, bacteria, fruits, flowers, trees, meats, fresh/decaying foods, etc. [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

Research

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732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curves for Explosives Detection Using Different Sampling and Detection Techniques

by Mimy Young, Wen Fan, Anna Raeva and Jose Almirall

Sensors 2013, 13(12), 16867-16881; https://doi.org/10.3390/s131216867 - 6 Dec 2013

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7538

Abstract

Reported for the first time are receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves constructed to describe the performance of a sorbent-coated disk, planar solid phase microextraction (PSPME) unit for non-contact sampling of a variety of volatiles. The PSPME is coupled to ion mobility spectrometers (IMSs) [...] Read more.

Reported for the first time are receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves constructed to describe the performance of a sorbent-coated disk, planar solid phase microextraction (PSPME) unit for non-contact sampling of a variety of volatiles. The PSPME is coupled to ion mobility spectrometers (IMSs) for the detection of volatile chemical markers associated with the presence of smokeless powders, model systems of explosives containing diphenylamine (DPA), 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) and nitroglycerin (NG) as the target analytes. The performance of the PSPME-IMS was compared with the widely accepted solid-phase microextraction (SPME), coupled to a GC-MS. A set of optimized sampling conditions for different volume containers (1–45 L) with various sample amounts of explosives, were studied in replicates (n = 30) to determine the true positive rates (TPR) and false positive detection rates (FPR) for the different scenarios. These studies were obtained in order to construct the ROC curves for two IMS instruments (a bench-top and field-portable system) and a bench top GC-MS system in low and high clutter environments. Both static and dynamic PSPME sampling were studied in which 10–500 mg quantities of smokeless powders were detected within 10 min of static sampling and 1 min of dynamic sampling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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1552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simultaneous Sampling of Flow and Odorants by Crustaceans can Aid Searches within a Turbulent Plume

by Swapnil Pravin and Matthew A. Reidenbach

Sensors 2013, 13(12), 16591-16610; https://doi.org/10.3390/s131216591 - 3 Dec 2013

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7025

Abstract

Crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters and crayfish use dispersing odorant molecules to determine the location of predators, prey, potential mates and habitat. Odorant molecules diffuse in turbulent flows and are sensed by the olfactory organs of these animals, often using a flicking motion [...] Read more.

Crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters and crayfish use dispersing odorant molecules to determine the location of predators, prey, potential mates and habitat. Odorant molecules diffuse in turbulent flows and are sensed by the olfactory organs of these animals, often using a flicking motion of their antennules. These antennules contain both chemosensory and mechanosensory sensilla, which enable them to detect both flow and odorants during a flick. To determine how simultaneous flow and odorant sampling can aid in search behavior, a 3-dimensional numerical model for the near-bed flow environment was created. A stream of odorant concentration was released into the flow creating a turbulent plume, and both temporally and spatially fluctuating velocity and odorant concentration were quantified. The plume characteristics show close resemblance to experimental measurements within a large laboratory flume. Results show that mean odorant concentration and it’s intermittency, computed as dc/dt, increase towards the plume source, but the temporal and spatial rate of this increase is slow and suggests that long measurement times would be necessary to be useful for chemosensory guidance. Odorant fluxes measured transverse to the mean flow direction, quantified as the product of the instantaneous fluctuation in concentration and velocity, v’c’, do show statistically distinct magnitude and directional information on either side of a plume centerline over integration times of <0.5 s. Aquatic animals typically have neural responses to odorant and velocity fields at rates between 50 and 500 ms, suggesting this simultaneous sampling of both flow and concentration in a turbulent plume can aid in source tracking on timescales relevant to aquatic animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection of Off-Flavor in Catfish Using a Conducting Polymer Electronic-Nose Technology

by Alphus D. Wilson, Charisse S. Oberle and Daniel F. Oberle

Sensors 2013, 13(12), 15968-15984; https://doi.org/10.3390/s131215968 - 25 Nov 2013

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 7682

Abstract

The Aromascan A32S conducting polymer electronic nose was evaluated for the capability of detecting the presence of off-flavor malodorous compounds in catfish meat fillets to assess meat quality for potential merchantability. Sensor array outputs indicated that the aroma profiles of good-flavor (on-flavor) and [...] Read more.

The Aromascan A32S conducting polymer electronic nose was evaluated for the capability of detecting the presence of off-flavor malodorous compounds in catfish meat fillets to assess meat quality for potential merchantability. Sensor array outputs indicated that the aroma profiles of good-flavor (on-flavor) and off-flavor fillets were strongly different as confirmed by a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and a Quality Factor value (QF > 7.9) indicating a significant difference at (P < 0.05). The A32S e-nose effectively discriminated between good-flavor and off-flavor catfish at high levels of accuracy (>90%) and with relatively low rates (≤5%) of unknown or indecisive determinations in three trials. This A32S e-nose instrument also was capable of detecting the incidence of mild off-flavor in fillets at levels lower than the threshold of human olfactory detection. Potential applications of e-nose technologies for pre- and post-harvest management of production and meat-quality downgrade problems associated with catfish off-flavor are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Evaluation of Agricultural Distillates Using an Electronic Nose

by Tomasz Dymerski, Jacek Gębicki, Waldemar Wardencki and Jacek Namieśnik

Sensors 2013, 13(12), 15954-15967; https://doi.org/10.3390/s131215954 - 25 Nov 2013

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 6788

Abstract

The paper presents the application of an electronic nose instrument to fast evaluation of agricultural distillates differing in quality. The investigations were carried out using a prototype of electronic nose equipped with a set of six semiconductor sensors by FIGARO Co., an electronic [...] Read more.

The paper presents the application of an electronic nose instrument to fast evaluation of agricultural distillates differing in quality. The investigations were carried out using a prototype of electronic nose equipped with a set of six semiconductor sensors by FIGARO Co., an electronic circuit converting signal into digital form and a set of thermostats able to provide gradient temperature characteristics to a gas mixture. A volatile fraction of the agricultural distillate samples differing in quality was obtained by barbotage. Interpretation of the results involved three data analysis techniques: principal component analysis, single-linkage cluster analysis and cluster analysis with spheres method. The investigations prove the usefulness of the presented technique in the quality control of agricultural distillates. Optimum measurements conditions were also defined, including volumetric flow rate of carrier gas (15 L/h), thermostat temperature during the barbotage process (15 °C) and time of sensor signal acquisition from the onset of the barbotage process (60 s). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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1170 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discrimination Method of the Volatiles from Fresh Mushrooms by an Electronic Nose Using a Trapping System and Statistical Standardization to Reduce Sensor Value Variation

by Kouki Fujioka, Nobuo Shimizu, Yoshinobu Manome, Keiichi Ikeda, Kenji Yamamoto and Yasuko Tomizawa

Sensors 2013, 13(11), 15532-15548; https://doi.org/10.3390/s131115532 - 13 Nov 2013

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 11621

Abstract

Electronic noses have the benefit of obtaining smell information in a simple and objective manner, therefore, many applications have been developed for broad analysis areas such as food, drinks, cosmetics, medicine, and agriculture. However, measurement values from electronic noses have a tendency to [...] Read more.

Electronic noses have the benefit of obtaining smell information in a simple and objective manner, therefore, many applications have been developed for broad analysis areas such as food, drinks, cosmetics, medicine, and agriculture. However, measurement values from electronic noses have a tendency to vary under humidity or alcohol exposure conditions, since several types of sensors in the devices are affected by such variables. Consequently, we show three techniques for reducing the variation of sensor values: (1) using a trapping system to reduce the infering components; (2) performing statistical standardization (calculation of z-score); and (3) selecting suitable sensors. With these techniques, we discriminated the volatiles of four types of fresh mushrooms: golden needle (Flammulina velutipes), white mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), shiitake (Lentinus edodes), and eryngii (Pleurotus eryngii) among six fresh mushrooms (hen of the woods (Grifola frondosa), shimeji (Hypsizygus marmoreus) plus the above mushrooms). Additionally, we succeeded in discrimination of white mushroom, only comparing with artificial mushroom flavors, such as champignon flavor and truffle flavor. In conclusion, our techniques will expand the options to reduce variations in sensor values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Volatiles Produced by Cladosporium cladosporioides CL-1, a Fungal Biocontrol Agent That Promotes Plant Growth

by Diby Paul and Kyung Seok Park

Sensors 2013, 13(10), 13969-13977; https://doi.org/10.3390/s131013969 - 16 Oct 2013

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 10644

Abstract

Certain microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have been reported to enhance the growth and development of plants. The biocontrol fungi, Cladosporium cladosporioides CL-1 significantly improved the growth of tobacco seedlings in vitro when they were co-cultivated without physical contact. SPME Quadrupole GC/MS/MS revealed [...] Read more.

Certain microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have been reported to enhance the growth and development of plants. The biocontrol fungi, Cladosporium cladosporioides CL-1 significantly improved the growth of tobacco seedlings in vitro when they were co-cultivated without physical contact. SPME Quadrupole GC/MS/MS revealed that CL-1 emited the volatiles α-pinene, (−)-trans-caryophyllene, tetrahydro-2,2,5,5-tetramethylfuran, dehydroaromadendrene, and (+)-sativene. Potential roles of these volatiles in plant growth and development are discussed. Even though there were several fungal VOCs reported in the past that could influence plant growth, their exact mechanisms of action are not fully known. Fungal VOC-mediated plant growth promotion requires in-depth study in order for this technology to be used in large scale for crops, especially those grown under greenhouse conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of a Novel Tool for Diagnosing Bile Acid Diarrhoea

by James A. Covington, Eric W. Westenbrink, Nathalie Ouaret, Ruth Harbord, Catherine Bailey, Nicola O'Connell, James Cullis, Nigel Williams, Chuka U. Nwokolo, Karna D. Bardhan and Ramesh P. Arasaradnam

Sensors 2013, 13(9), 11899-11912; https://doi.org/10.3390/s130911899 - 6 Sep 2013

Cited by 66 | Viewed by 9827

Abstract

Bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is a common disease that requires expensive imaging to diagnose. We have tested the efficacy of a new method to identify BAD, based on the detection of differences in volatile organic compounds (VOC) in urine headspace of BAD vs [...] Read more.

Bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) is a common disease that requires expensive imaging to diagnose. We have tested the efficacy of a new method to identify BAD, based on the detection of differences in volatile organic compounds (VOC) in urine headspace of BAD vs. ulcerative colitis and healthy controls. A total of 110 patients were recruited; 23 with BAD, 42 with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 45 controls. Patients with BAD also received standard imaging (Se75HCAT) for confirmation. Urine samples were collected and the headspace analysed using an AlphaMOS Fox 4000 electronic nose in combination with an Owlstone Lonestar Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer (FAIMS). A subset was also tested by gas chromatography, mass spectrometry (GCMS). Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) was used to explore both the electronic nose and FAIMS data. LDA showed statistical differences between the groups, with reclassification success rates (using an n-1 approach) at typically 83%. GCMS experiments confirmed these results and showed that patients with BAD had two chemical compounds, 2-propanol and acetamide, that were either not present or were in much reduced quantities in the ulcerative colitis and control samples. We believe that this work may lead to a new tool to diagnose BAD, which is cheaper, quicker and easier that current methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Major Odorants Released as Urinary Volatiles by Urinary Incontinent Patients

by Sudhir Kumar Pandey, Ki-Hyun Kim, Si On Choi, In Young Sa and Soo Yeon Oh

Sensors 2013, 13(7), 8523-8533; https://doi.org/10.3390/s130708523 - 3 Jul 2013

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7129

Abstract

In this study, volatile urinary components were collected using three different types of samples from patients suffering from urinary incontinence (UI): (1) urine (A); (2) urine + non-used pad (B); and (3) urine + used pad (C). In addition, urine + non-used pad [...] Read more.

In this study, volatile urinary components were collected using three different types of samples from patients suffering from urinary incontinence (UI): (1) urine (A); (2) urine + non-used pad (B); and (3) urine + used pad (C). In addition, urine + non-used pad (D) samples from non-patients were also collected as a reference. The collection of urinary volatiles was conducted with the aid of a glass impinger-based mini-chamber method. Each of the four sample types (A through D) was placed in a glass impinger and incubated for 4 hours at 37 °C. Ultra pure air was then passed through the chamber, and volatile urine gas components were collected into Tedlar bags at the other end. These bag samples were then analyzed for a wide range of VOCs and major offensive odorants (e.g., reduced sulfur compounds (RSCs), carbonyls, trimethylamine (TMA), ammonia, etc.). Among the various odorants, sulfur compounds (methanethiol and hydrogen sulfide) and aldehydes (acetaldehyde, butylaldehyde, and isovaleraldehyde) were detected above odor threshold and predicted to contribute most effectively to odor intensity of urine incontinence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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1483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Analysis of Fragrance and Odorants Released from Fresh and Decaying Strawberries

by Yong-Hyun Kim, Ki-Hyun Kim, Jan E. Szulejko and David Parker

Sensors 2013, 13(6), 7939-7978; https://doi.org/10.3390/s130607939 - 20 Jun 2013

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 9748

Abstract

The classes and concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) released from fresh and decaying strawberries were investigated and compared. In this study, a total of 147 strawberry volatiles were quantified before and after nine days of storage to explore differences in the aroma [...] Read more.

The classes and concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC) released from fresh and decaying strawberries were investigated and compared. In this study, a total of 147 strawberry volatiles were quantified before and after nine days of storage to explore differences in the aroma profile between fresh strawberries (storage days (SRD) of 0, 1, and 3) and those that had started to decay (SRD = 6 and 9). In terms of concentration, seven compounds dominated the aroma profile of fresh strawberries (relative composition (RC) up to 97.4% by mass, sum concentration): (1) ethyl acetate = 518 mg∙m⁻³, (2) methyl acetate = 239 mg∙m⁻³, (3) ethyl butyrate = 13.5 mg∙m⁻³, (4) methyl butyrate = 11.1 mg∙m⁻³, (5) acetaldehyde = 24.9 mg∙m⁻³, (6) acetic acid = 15.2 mg∙m⁻³, and (7) acetone = 13.9 mg∙m⁻³. In contrast, two alcohols dominated the aroma profile of decayed samples (RC up to 98.6%): (1) ethyl alcohol = 94.2 mg∙m⁻³ and (2) isobutyl alcohol = 289 mg∙m⁻³. Alternatively; if the aroma profiles are re-evaluated by summing odor activity values (ΣOAV); four ester compounds ((1) ethyl butyrate (6,160); (2) ethyl hexanoate (3,608); (3) ethyl isovalerate (1,592); and (4) ethyl 2-methylbutyrate (942)) were identified as the key constituents of fresh strawberry aroma (SRD-0). As the strawberries began to decay; isobutyl alcohol recorded the maximum OAV of 114 (relative proportion (RP) (SRD = 6) = 58.3%). However, as the decay process continued, the total OAV dropped further by 3 to 4 orders of magnitude—decreasing to 196 on SRD = 6 to 7.37 on SRD = 9. The overall results of this study confirm dramatic changes in the aroma profile of strawberries over time, especially with the onset of decay. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recovery of Odorants from an Olfactometer Measured by Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometry

by Michael Jørgen Hansen, Anders Peter S. Adamsen and Anders Feilberg

Sensors 2013, 13(6), 7860-7871; https://doi.org/10.3390/s130607860 - 19 Jun 2013

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7892

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the recovery of odorants during the dilution in an olfactometer designed according to the European standard for dynamic olfactometry. Nine odorants in the ppm_v-range were examined including hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, [...] Read more.

The aim of the present study was to examine the recovery of odorants during the dilution in an olfactometer designed according to the European standard for dynamic olfactometry. Nine odorants in the ppm_v-range were examined including hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, acetic acid, propanoic acid, butanoic acid, trimethylamine, 3-methylphenol and n-butanol. Each odorant was diluted in six dilution steps in descending order from 4,096 to 128 times dilutions. The final recovery of dimethyl sulfide and n-butanol after a 60-second pulse was only slightly affected by the dilution, whereas the recoveries of the other odorants were significantly affected by the dilution. The final recoveries of carboxylic acids, trimethylamine and 3-methylphenol were affected by the pulse duration and the signals did not reach stable levels within the 60-second pulse, while sulfur compounds and n-butanol reach a stable signal within a few seconds. In conclusion, the dilution of odorants in an olfactometer has a high impact on the recovery of odorants and when olfactometry is used to estimate the odor concentration, the recoveries have to be taken into consideration for correct measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What is a Fresh Scent in Perfumery? Perceptual Freshness is Correlated with Substantivity

by Manuel Zarzo

Sensors 2013, 13(1), 463-483; https://doi.org/10.3390/s130100463 - 28 Dec 2012

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 10617

Abstract

Perfumes are manufactured by mixing odorous materials with different volatilities. The parameter that measures the lasting property of a material when applied on the skin is called substantivity or tenacity. It is well known by perfumers that citrus and green notes are perceived [...] Read more.

Perfumes are manufactured by mixing odorous materials with different volatilities. The parameter that measures the lasting property of a material when applied on the skin is called substantivity or tenacity. It is well known by perfumers that citrus and green notes are perceived as fresh and they tend to evaporate quickly, while odors most dissimilar to ‘fresh’ (e.g., oriental, powdery, erogenic and animalic scents) are tenacious. However, studies aimed at quantifying the relationship between fresh odor quality and substantivity have not received much attention. In this work, perceptual olfactory ratings on a fresh scale, estimated in a previous study, were compared with substantivity parameters and antierogenic ratings from the literature. It was found that the correlation between fresh odor character and odorant substantivity is quite strong (r = −0.85). ‘Fresh’ is sometimes interpreted in perfumery as ‘cool’ and the opposite of ‘warm’. This association suggests that odor freshness might be somehow related to temperature. Assuming that odor perception space was shaped throughout evolution in temperate climates, results reported here are consistent with the hypothesis that ‘fresh’ evokes scents typically encountered in the cool season, while ‘warm’ would be evoked by odors found in nature during summer. This hypothesis is rather simplistic but it may provide a new insight to better understand the perceptual space of scents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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Review

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987 KiB

Open AccessReview

Analytical Methods for Chemical and Sensory Characterization of Scent-Markings in Large Wild Mammals: A Review

by Simone B. Soso, Jacek A. Koziel, Anna Johnson, Young Jin Lee and W. Sue Fairbanks

Sensors 2014, 14(3), 4428-4465; https://doi.org/10.3390/s140304428 - 5 Mar 2014

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 17377

Abstract

In conjoining the disciplines of “ethology” and “chemistry” the field of “Ethochemistry” has been instituted. Ethochemistry is an effective tool in conservation efforts of endangered species and the understanding of behavioral patterns across all species. Chemical constituents of scent-markings have an important, yet [...] Read more.

In conjoining the disciplines of “ethology” and “chemistry” the field of “Ethochemistry” has been instituted. Ethochemistry is an effective tool in conservation efforts of endangered species and the understanding of behavioral patterns across all species. Chemical constituents of scent-markings have an important, yet poorly understood function in territoriality, reproduction, dominance, and impact on evolutionary biology, especially in large mammals. Particular attention has recently been focused on scent-marking analysis of great cats (Kalahari leopards (Panthera pardus), puma (Puma concolor) snow leopard (Panthera uncia), African lions (Panthera leo), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), and tigers (Panthera tigris)) for the purpose of conservation. Sensory analyses of scent-markings could address knowledge gaps in ethochemistry. The objective of this review is to summarize the current state-of-the art of both the chemical and sensory analyses of scent-markings in wild mammals. Specific focus is placed on sampling and sample preparation, chemical analysis, sensory analysis, and simultaneous chemical and sensory analyses. Constituents of exocrine and endocrine secretions have been most commonly studied with chromatography-based analytical separations. Odor analysis of scent-markings provides an insight into the animal’s sensory perception. A limited number of articles have been published in the area of sensory characterization of scent marks. Simultaneous chemical and sensory analyses with chromatography-olfactometry hyphenation could potentially aid conservation efforts by linking perceived odor, compounds responsible for odor, and resulting behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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1412 KiB

Open AccessReview

Gas Chromatography Analysis with Olfactometric Detection (GC-O) as a Useful Methodology for Chemical Characterization of Odorous Compounds

by Magda Brattoli, Ezia Cisternino, Paolo Rosario Dambruoso, Gianluigi De Gennaro, Pasquale Giungato, Antonio Mazzone, Jolanda Palmisani and Maria Tutino

Sensors 2013, 13(12), 16759-16800; https://doi.org/10.3390/s131216759 - 5 Dec 2013

Cited by 172 | Viewed by 22417

Abstract

The gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) technique couples traditional gas chromatographic analysis with sensory detection in order to study complex mixtures of odorous substances and to identify odor active compounds. The GC-O technique is already widely used for the evaluation of food aromas and its [...] Read more.

The gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) technique couples traditional gas chromatographic analysis with sensory detection in order to study complex mixtures of odorous substances and to identify odor active compounds. The GC-O technique is already widely used for the evaluation of food aromas and its application in environmental fields is increasing, thus moving the odor emission assessment from the solely olfactometric evaluations to the characterization of the volatile components responsible for odor nuisance. The aim of this paper is to describe the state of the art of gas chromatography-olfactometry methodology, considering the different approaches regarding the operational conditions and the different methods for evaluating the olfactometric detection of odor compounds. The potentials of GC-O are described highlighting the improvements in this methodology relative to other conventional approaches used for odor detection, such as sensoristic, sensorial and the traditional gas chromatographic methods. The paper also provides an examination of the different fields of application of the GC-O, principally related to fragrances and food aromas, odor nuisance produced by anthropic activities and odorous compounds emitted by materials and medical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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290 KiB

Open AccessReview

Potential Application of Electronic Olfaction Systems in Feedstuffs Analysis and Animal Nutrition

by Anna Campagnoli and Vittorio Dell'Orto

Sensors 2013, 13(11), 14611-14632; https://doi.org/10.3390/s131114611 - 29 Oct 2013

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6473

Abstract

Electronic Olfaction Systems (EOSs) based on a variety of gas-sensing technologies have been developed to simulate in a simplified manner animal olfactory sensing systems. EOSs have been successfully applied to many applications and fields, including food technology and agriculture. Less information is available [...] Read more.

Electronic Olfaction Systems (EOSs) based on a variety of gas-sensing technologies have been developed to simulate in a simplified manner animal olfactory sensing systems. EOSs have been successfully applied to many applications and fields, including food technology and agriculture. Less information is available for EOS applications in the feed technology and animal nutrition sectors. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are derived from both forages and concentrate ingredients of farm animal rations, are considered and described in this review as olfactory markers for feedstock quality and safety evaluation. EOS applications to detect VOCs from feedstuffs (as analytical matrices) are described, and some future scenarios are hypothesised. Furthermore, some EOS applications in animal feeding behaviour and organoleptic feed assessment are also described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

3007 KiB

Open AccessReview

Towards a Chemiresistive Sensor-Integrated Electronic Nose: A Review

by Shih-Wen Chiu and Kea-Tiong Tang

Sensors 2013, 13(10), 14214-14247; https://doi.org/10.3390/s131014214 - 22 Oct 2013

Cited by 193 | Viewed by 21228

Abstract

Electronic noses have potential applications in daily life, but are restricted by their bulky size and high price. This review focuses on the use of chemiresistive gas sensors, metal-oxide semiconductor gas sensors and conductive polymer gas sensors in an electronic nose for system [...] Read more.

Electronic noses have potential applications in daily life, but are restricted by their bulky size and high price. This review focuses on the use of chemiresistive gas sensors, metal-oxide semiconductor gas sensors and conductive polymer gas sensors in an electronic nose for system integration to reduce size and cost. The review covers the system design considerations and the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor integrated technology for a chemiresistive gas sensor electronic nose, including the integrated sensor array, its readout interface, and pattern recognition hardware. In addition, the state-of-the-art technology integrated in the electronic nose is also presented, such as the sensing front-end chip, electronic nose signal processing chip, and the electronic nose system-on-chip. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing of Scent, Fragrance, Smell, and Odor Emissions from Biota Sources)

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