Smart Electronic Olfaction for Body Odor Diagnostics

Introduction

Olfaction provides a wealth of information about our environment. Partner selection and disease detection are just two examples of the versatility of our olfactory system. Despite its important role, the digitization of the olfactory sense is still in its infancy compared to vision and hearing.

Challenges in Olfactory Digitization

In particular, storing olfactory profiles, their on-demand synthesis, and transmission are critical barriers to broader use of the specific and unique information provided by olfaction. Experienced physicians, for example, rely on their sense of smell as an additional diagnostic tool: body odor profiles change over the course of metabolic and inflammatory processes, making body odors particularly useful for disease diagnostics and health monitoring.

Importance of Olfactory Detection

Thus, neurodegenerative or inflammatory diseases can be detected at an early stage with the help of the sense of smell. Based on the stringent combination of an innovative biomimetic sensor technology, a psychological understanding of odor perception, and the application of machine learning techniques, SMELLODI will develop a science-to-technology breakthrough that will ultimately enable the detection and on-demand synthesis of odors.

Interdisciplinary Team

Our interdisciplinary team combines expertise in:

• Nano and sensor technology
• Clinical olfaction and psychological perception
• Chemistry
• Material science

Project Objectives

SMELLODI will develop technologies for:

1. Remote medical diagnostics
2. Assisting individuals with olfactory disorders by visualizing information about their body odor

Proof of Principle

Our proof-of-principle odor display will demonstrate for the first time the digitization, transmission, and synthesis of body odors over time and space.

Market Prospects

The market prospects for intelligent electronic odor recognition are enormous, ranging from mass-market devices to highly specialized diagnostic equipment. Our project will prepare the ground for the necessary innovations to make the technology available to address the societal and economic challenges of the future.