Beagle model analysis of fluid dynamics in canine olfactory epithelium for enhanced gas sensing

A dog's sense of smell is approximately 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than that of a human, capable of detecting volatile organic compounds at concentrations as low as 1 part per trillion (ppt). This surpasses the capabilities of conventional odor detectors, making drug-sniffing dogs invaluable in the field. Dogs' exceptional olfactory sensitivity is attributed not only to the highly developed olfactory bulbs and epithelium but also to the hydrodynamic mechanisms within their complex nasal cavity, which enhance odor retention, collection, and amplification. Using a beagle model, we investigated the fluid dynamics within the canine olfactory epithelium through 3D X-CT airspace analysis, examining gas behavior during inhalation and exhalation, and assessing the impact of different gas species on airspace dynamics. Additionally, we simulated the gas separation capacity of the olfactory airspace using particle methods. Based on these findings, we proposed a functional control model inspired by the olfactory structures, suggesting that the canine nasal structure could serve as a template for future gas sensor development.