Extending Selective Arrays for Infectious Disease Detection

Selective sensor arrays, commonly referred to as chemolfactory or "artificial nose" systems, have proven powerful in detecting and discriminating small molecules through cross-reactive, pattern-based recognition. While these systems have traditionally been used in chemical and environmental sensing, their application to biological targets, particularly infectious disease diagnostics, remains underexplored. In this Perspective, we argue that extending the principles of chemolfactory arrays to infectious disease detection offers unique advantages, including the potential to detect a wide range of pathogens and unknowns without relying on highly specific recognition elements.