Last updated: 2020-03-15
Requirements
The requirements necessary for replacement sense-of-smell functionality involve the following high-level elements.
Airborne Aroma Compound Detection
Status: Viable
Organic Model: specialized cells provide biochemical mechanisms for the detection of aroma compounds as they pass through the sinus ducts.
Engineered Models: there are both electromechanical and bio-electronic solutions utilized today for myriad applications.
Neural Translation
Status: Research Phase
Organic Model: aroma compound receptor cells utilize both mechanical and biochemical mechanisms to produce neural signalling.
Engineered Models: there are no known engineered models which interface a prosthetic olfactory device with the olfactory nerve at this time.
Neural Transmission
Status: Research Phase
Organic Model: the olfactory nerve directly connects the nose to the brain.
Engineered Models: there are no existing engineered replacements for the olfactory nerve at this time.
Available Devices
None
There are no devices that could be used for an olfactory prosthesis at this time. However, many devices already exist and are used for a plethora of applications that allow olfactory perception for machines. What is lacking is the specific application of these technologies for direct use by a human being.
