A research team led by the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has developed biomimetic olfactory chips (BOC) that can integrate nanotube sensor arrays on nanoporous substrates with up to 10,000 individually addressable gas sensors per chip. This configuration mimics the way olfaction works in humans and other animals, addressing the challenge of creating artificial olfactory sensors with high-performance gas sensors. Researchers worldwide have been working on developing artificial olfaction and electronic noses to effectively discern complex odorant mixtures, but have faced difficulties in miniaturizing the system and increasing its recognition capabilities.
The team, led by Prof. FAN Zhiyong of HKUST, used an engineered material composition gradient to enable wide arrays of diverse sensors on a small nanostructured chip. By leveraging artificial intelligence, their biomimetic olfactory chips exhibit exceptional sensitivity to various gases and excellent distinguishability for mixed gases and 24 distinct odors. The researchers also integrated the chips with vision sensors on a robot dog, creating a combined olfactory and visual system that can accurately identify objects in blind boxes. This development will not only improve the applications of artificial olfaction and e-noses in various fields such as food, environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and industrial process control, but also open up new possibilities for advanced robots and portable smart devices in security patrols and rescue operations.
The biomimetic olfactory chips have a wide range of potential applications in real-time monitoring and quality control. They can be used to detect and analyze specific odors or volatile compounds associated with different stages of industrial processes to ensure safety, detect abnormal or hazardous gases in environmental monitoring, and identify leakage in pipes for timely repair. The technology presented in this study represents a significant breakthrough in the digitization of odor information, which has been largely untapped compared to visual information digitization facilitated by imaging sensing technologies. The development of biomimetic odor sensors has immense potential, similar to the widespread use of miniaturized cameras in cell phones and portable electronics, and could enhance people’s quality of life.
Prof. FAN Zhiyong envisions further advancements in biomimetic olfactory chip technology, with the potential for these sensors to be placed on the human body to detect odors that are typically unable to be smelled. This could include monitoring abnormalities in volatile organic molecules in breath and emitted by the skin to warn of potential diseases, expanding the potential of biomimetic engineering. The team’s work has paved the way for the development of advanced odor sensors that could find widespread utilization in various fields. With continued research and development, biomimetic olfactory chips could revolutionize the way odor information is collected and utilized, offering new possibilities for improving health, safety, and quality of life for individuals.
