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Updated: May 7, 2026
09:19
Capturing Actively Produced Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds from Human-Associated Samples with Vacuum-Assisted Sorbent Extraction
Published on: June 1, 2022
Biological organisms as volatile compound detectors: a review
Olivia Leitch1, Alisha Anderson, K Paul Kirkbride
1National Centre for Forensic Studies, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia; CSIRO Division of Ecosystem Sciences and Food Futures Flagship, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
Forensic Science International
|September 24, 2013
Summary
Biological sensors like dogs and insects excel at detecting volatile compounds for forensic science. Current technology aims to replicate their olfactory abilities for improved forensic analysis.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Volatile compound detection is crucial for forensic analysis.
- Biological olfactory systems demonstrate superior detection and discrimination capabilities.
- Existing analytical instruments struggle to match biological sensor performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on using biological organisms as sensors in forensic science.
- To explore the current and potential future applications of biological detection systems.
- To highlight the advantages of biological olfactory receptors in detecting forensically significant compounds.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on biological sensors for forensic applications.
- Analysis of studies involving detection canines, insects (bees, wasps, moths), and olfactory receptors.
- Comparison of biological sensor capabilities with current portable analytical instruments.
Main Results:
- Detection canines and various insects are established biological sensors for volatile compounds.
- Olfactory receptors are increasingly investigated for detecting explosives and illicit drugs.
- Biological sensors offer high sensitivity and discriminatory power unmatched by current technology.
Conclusions:
- Biological organisms and their olfactory components hold significant potential for advancing forensic volatile compound detection.
- Further research into replicating biological olfactory mechanisms could lead to next-generation forensic tools.
- Integrating biological sensing principles may overcome limitations of current analytical instrumentation.
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