Devices for the electrical stimulation of the olfactory system: A review

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftÜbersichtsartikel (Review)BeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

  • Clémentine Lipp - , École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Autor:in)
  • Lara Laamari - , École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Autor:in)
  • Arnaud Bertsch - , École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Autor:in)
  • Dino Podlesek - , Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurochirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Autor:in)
  • Moustafa Bensafi - , Centre Hospitalier le Vinatier (Autor:in)
  • Thomas Hummel - , Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Autor:in)
  • Jürgen Brugger - , École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Autor:in)

Abstract

The loss of olfactory function has a profound impact on quality of life, affecting not only sensory perception but also memory, emotion, and overall well-being. Despite this, advancements in olfactory prostheses have lagged significantly behind those made for vision and hearing restoration. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of devices for electrical stimulation of the olfactory system. We begin by providing an overview of the olfactory system's structure and function, emphasizing the neural pathways involved in smell perception. Following this, we explore the key challenges associated with chronic implantation and electrical stimulation, material biocompatibility, inflammation risks, and ensuring long-term functionality and durability. A detailed analysis of existing neural stimulation devices—including ECoG, intracortical, and depth electrodes—is presented, assessing their potential for application in olfactory stimulation. We also discuss the limitations and pitfalls of current approaches and explore new emerging technologies aimed at overcoming these obstacles. A comprehensive literature review about the olfactory system electrical stimulation is reported, and results are analyzed to identify the most promising routes. Finally, the review highlights emerging technologies, ongoing research, and the ethical considerations associated with olfactory implants, along with future directions for developing more effective, safe, and durable solutions to restore the sense of smell for individuals with olfactory disorders.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer117063
FachzeitschriftBiosensors and Bioelectronics
Jahrgang271
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 1 März 2025
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

ORCID /0000-0001-9713-0183/work/175220393

Schlagworte

Schlagwörter

  • Anosmia, Electrical stimulation, Neural implant, Neural stimulation, Olfaction, Olfactory implant