Optimization of Metal Oxide Gas Sensor in Electronic Nose to Monitor Odor Profiles of Garlic Scape

Response of metal-oxide sensors based on tin dioxide SnO₂ (P and T) and chromium titanium oxide, and on tungsten oxide (LY) were used to analyze different cultivars of garlic scapes. Temperature and time for sample incubation were set at two temperatures (40 °C and 50 °C) and at two incubation times (6 and 10 min). All the sensors presented saturation at 50 °C. A temperature set at 40 °C had optimal responses for all the sensors. Conditions established in the first place (40 °C during 6-min incubation) were used to evaluate five types of different cultivars of fresh garlic scape in order to evaluate sensors. Linear discrimant analysis with Wilks´ lambda stepwise method was applied to investigate the grouping of garlic scapes as a function of the cultivar. Two discriminant functions (DF₁ and DF₂) were obtained that explained 93.7% and 5% of the total variance, respectively. On the other hand, the same cultivars were analyzed among storage (three days). Data showed that changes among storage could be detected by LY, T, and P sensors among each cultivar (LY and T for Sureño; L for Castaño; P for Gostoso; LY, P, and T for Fuego and P for Morado). Differences among odor are related to the amount of volatile compounds (allicins and sulfide compounds) present, which are presumed to be responsible for their distinct flavors and aromas in each cultivar.