Bio-Inspired Strategies for Improving the Selectivity and Sensitivity of Artificial Noses: A Review

Abstract

Artificial noses are broad-spectrum multisensors dedicated to the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Despite great recent progress, they still suffer from a lack of sensitivity and selectivity. We will review, in a systemic way, the biomimetic strategies for improving these performance criteria, including the design of sensing materials, their immobilization on the sensing surface, the sampling of VOCs, the choice of a transduction method, and the data processing. This reflection could help address new applications in domains where high-performance artificial noses are required such as public security and safety, environment, industry, or healthcare.

Keywords

• volatile organic compound
• olfaction
• electronic nose
• artificial nose
• biomimicry
• sensitivity
• selectivity