Multi-channel portable odor delivery device for self-administered and rapid smell testing.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sensory Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Current smell tests are time-consuming and complex, relying on manual administration of multiple sniffing pens.
• Existing automated odor delivery systems (olfactometers) are expensive, bulky, and lab-based, limiting practical application.
• There is a need for accessible, portable, and precise odor delivery methods for olfactory research and diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a portable, affordable odor delivery device for precise olfactory testing.
• To enable flexible and rapid sequencing of odors via digital control for enhanced user experience.
• To explore the potential for self-administered smell tests in diverse settings, including homes.

Main Methods:

• Development of a portable device capable of delivering 24 distinct odors through individual channels.
• Implementation of high temporal precision and prevention of cross-contamination during odor delivery.
• Validation through experimental testing in laboratory settings and on patients, controlled via a mobile application.

Main Results:

• The developed device successfully delivered 24 odors with high temporal precision and no cross-contamination.
• Experimental validation confirmed the device's efficacy in both lab and patient-based testing.
• The portable design offers significant advantages over existing olfactometer systems for on-the-ground odor delivery.

Conclusions:

• The new portable odor delivery device offers a cost-effective and precise solution for olfactory perception studies.
• This technology has the potential to revolutionize smell testing, moving towards routine practice and self-care.
• The device facilitates improved diagnosis of smell loss and broader research into olfactory perception across various environments.