Theme 1) SInformatics approaches to smart smell sensors based on molecular and cognitive sciences Content 1)Functionality of smell sensors are enhanced by molecular informatics in combination with olfactory cognition sciences. The quantitative structure activity relationships model the multiple regression equation of sensor response using the molecular descriptors of scent chemicals as explanatory variables. The sensor responses are useful for evaluation of olfactory cognitive application, such as olfactory display and synesthesia. The sensing instrumentation operated by optimal protocols would be established to generate informative sensor responses for a wide range of light scent.
Theme 2)Preparation of high-capacity gas-sorption films and analysis of surface dynamics Content 2) Smell impulses induce the subtle changes in physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of sensing layers. These changes are transduced by the integrated sensors, such as resonators and optoelectronic devices. Highly selective and sensitive layers are coated on the transducers by dry and wet processing (vaporization, sputtering, electro-dropping etc.) of biomaterials, such as polypeptides, saccharides, amino acids, steroids, DNA bases, waxes. Impedance analyses for the resonators reveal the viscoelastic changes in sensing layers. Surface structure is clarified by surface spectroscopies. Surface potentials and interaction forces are monitored by scanning probe microscopies. Molecular interactions between sensing layers and scent gases are verified by computational chemistry.
Theme 3)Cognitive application of scent chemicals and their risk assessment Content 3) Olfactory cognition is promising for application in healthy life. The qualification of biological emission gas and the scented indoor air are especially intriguing subjects from a viewpoint of affective engineering. The scent air would be evaluated by synesthesia (olfactory perception in combination with the other human sensory systems). The risk assessment of scent chemicals is essential subject for their usage. We would determine the safety dosage of food additives in addition to flavors and fragrances.
Research theme
1. Informatics approaches to smart smell sensors based on molecular and cognitive sciences
2. Preparation of high-capacity gas-sensory films and analysis of surface dynamics
3. Cognitive application of scent chemicals and risk assessment