Nasal mucus plays a key role in the sense of smell by absorbing and transporting chemicals to olfactory receptors. Inspired by the physical properties of mucus that enable it to transport molecules despite its high viscosity, we developed a polymeric organogel with similar viscosity and analyzed its general performance. Through qualitative and quantitative analysis, we confirmed that the matrix viscosity mainly affects the absorption and retention of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and not their diffusion inside the matrix. Additionally, the vapor pressure of VOCs influences the absorption and retention efficiencies of the matrix. Finally, a detailed understanding of the properties of mucus along with the use of sol–gel transition enabled us to create an efficient VOC absorbent and retention agent.

中文翻译：

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受粘液启发的有机凝胶作为挥发性有机化合物的有效吸收剂和保留剂

鼻粘液通过吸收化学物质并将其输送到嗅觉受体，在嗅觉中起着关键作用。受粘液物理特性的启发，尽管粘液具有高粘度，但仍能运输分子，我们开发了一种具有相似粘度的聚合物有机凝胶，并分析了其一般性能。通过定性和定量分析，我们确认基质粘度主要影响挥发性有机化合物 (VOC) 的吸收和保留，而不是它们在基质内的扩散。此外，VOC 的蒸气压会影响基质的吸收和保留效率。最后，对粘液特性的详细了解以及溶胶-凝胶转变的使用使我们能够创造出一种有效的 VOC 吸收剂和保留剂。