SENSOR ARRAYS USING CONDUCTING POLYMERS FOR AN ARTIFICIAL NOSE

We have analyzed the biological olfactory system in order to determine the characteristics of chemical sensors that may be mimicked by electronic means. New organic semiconductors based on poly(pyrrole) and derivatives have been synthesised and incorporated into sensor arrays. These polymers display responses to gases and odours dependent also on stereochemical parameters of the volatile molecules. The arrays are now finding practical applications in the food, beverage and environmental monitoring areas. We are carrying out the synthesis of new polymers capable of more specific discrimination of odour mixtures.

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