Successfully made 'electric nose' that can detect fake alcohol

The University of Technology Sydney's NOS.E device can not only distinguish the origin, brand and classification of alcohol, but also identify counterfeit alcohol.

UTS electronic nose device.

Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Australia have developed an electric nose that can distinguish whiskeys, brands and origins by "smells" of a sample. In a study published April 1 in the journal IEEE Sensors, the device, called NOS.E, can tell the difference between three blended and single whiskeys produced by Johnnie Walker, Ardbeg and Chivas. Regal and Macallan in less than 4 minutes. The NOS.E prototype was 100% accurate in origin, 96.15% in brand and 92.31% in classification for the six whiskeys the equipment tested at the Australian trade show CEBIT.

The technology uses infrared light mass spectrometry and two-dimensional gas chromatography, the scientists said. Both are chemical tests that are time consuming and need to be performed in a laboratory by a trained professional. Meanwhile, NOS.E works very quickly and is relatively cheap.

Created to mimic the human olfactory system, NOS.E has eight gas sensors that can "smell" a sample of whiskey. The device evaluates each odor molecule it detects, then transmits the data to a computer. Next, a machine learning algorithm is trained to recognize the characteristics of whiskey.

Electronic nose technology has been used in the past to prevent wildlife smuggling, assess wastewater treatment plant odors, detect cancer cells and Covid-19. NOS.E is not only capable of distinguishing fake whiskey but also other spirits, cognacs and luxury perfumes, according to the team. The device is also useful in disease detection and many other medical applications.

"A fast, easy-to-use real-time whiskey assessment tool that can identify quality and counterfeit will benefit both wholesalers and consumers," said Steven Su, engineer biomedicine, a member of the research team, said.