[Sensors for Measuring Taste and Smell]

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Chemical Sensing
• Sensory Science

Background:

• The gustatory and olfactory systems detect chemical substances via biological membranes.
• Conventional methods for chemical analysis can be time-consuming and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development and application of biomimetic electronic tongues and noses.
• To highlight novel chemical sensing technologies as alternatives to traditional tools.

Main Methods:

• Review of biomimetic technologies applied to taste and odor sensing.
• Description of electronic tongue (taste sensor) and electronic nose (odor sensor) systems.

Main Results:

• Electronic tongue and nose sensors based on biomimetic principles have been successfully developed.
• Taste sensors are commercially available and used in pharmaceutical and food industries worldwide.
• High-sensitivity electronic noses have been commercialized, particularly in Japan.

Conclusions:

• Biomimetic sensors offer innovative and effective methods for chemical substance analysis.
• These advanced sensors provide valuable alternatives to conventional analytical tools.
• Commercialization signifies the practical utility and acceptance of these technologies.