The demand for odor sensors has been increasing in recent years, while technical issues have hindered the practical use of odor sensors. The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) has been playing a central role in the research and development of an odor sensor using a Membrane-type Surface stress Sensor (MSS) for practical use. In 2022, Qception Corporation was founded as a start-up company from NIMS. In this chapter, the technical description of the MSS-based odor sensor is explained. It also introduces the activities for the social implementation of the odor sensor, including an industry-academia-government collaboration. Finally, the business that Qception is working on is presented.

In this study, we developed a new method for real-time measurement of chemical substances in the environment using Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometry (FAIMS). Leveraging the high molecular selectivity and sensitivity of FAIMS, we focused particularly on measuring trace chemical substances in the air both inside and outside factories. Using a portable prototype machine, we were able to efficiently capture the distribution and concentration changes of chemical substances in actual workplaces. Through two field measurement case studies, this technology demonstrated potential to enhance the accuracy of health risk assessments and environmental conservation measures.

Conventional odor evaluation methods have focused on instrumental analysis such as GC-MS and sensory evaluation. On the other hand, the practical application of “e-nose” is expected as a method that is simpler than the conventional instrumental analysis method and visualizes and identifies smells by focusing on the relative dif-ference of smells as in sensory evaluation. We have been developing elemental technologies for e-nose, centering on a sensor element called a “chemiresistor type. These technologies have been launched on the market as “FlavoTone^®,” an e-nose for various applications, from the summer of 2023. This paper focuses on each ele-mental technology, and the outlook for future business development is presented at the end of this paper.

We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify odor components adhering to the covering material that protects the skin lesions of hospitalized patients. Acetoin, acetol, diacetyl, and isovaleric acid, which are classified as malodors, were identified as qualitative candidate components that adhered to the covering material protecting the skin lesions. These results suggest that the GC-MS method can be used to qualitatively detect candidate odor components from covering materials that protect skin lesions.

In recent years, health hazards caused by odors, known as aroma pollution, have become a problem. In this study, an internet questionnaire survey was conducted in order to understand the actual status of health problems caused by odors. More women than men had experienced unpleasant moods or physical problems caused by odors. In regard to the female respondents, fewer women aged 65 or older had experienced such problems. Body odor, perspiration, tobacco, and perfume were the most common odors that caused a poor physical condition. Those with a history of allergic diseases and those with high QEESI scores were more likely to suffer from odor-caused physical ailments.