Overview of Odor Detection Instrumentation and the Potential for Human Odor Detection in Air Matrices

Human odor, its component volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and its emission from the body are briefly reviewed along with the current status of odor detection technologies and their potential for identifying humans by their odor in air matrices. The instruments discussed include chemical sensors, biosensors, electronic noses (E-noses), mass spectrometers (MS), differential optical absorption spectrometers (DOAS), and other field deployable analytical instruments. These instruments are examined with regard to their capabilities for odor detection and field deployment, as well as their potential application for human odor detection and identification. For direct detection of human odor VOCs from air matrices, E-nose technology could be a more promising candidate. However, sensitivity is still an issue for trace VOC detection and specificity is also a huge challenge. Recognizing there is still a long journey ahead until a truly artificial nose is developed, a recommendation is provided to refine and enhance current detection capabilities by integrating an interferent filter and a gas chromatograph to eliminate interference effects.