Quantitation of the in-mouth release of heteroatomic odorants

In order to determine the influence of the human physiology on the timing and extent of the release of odorants, the process of swallowing was observed by application of real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using this technique the velumpharyngeal performances were displayed during consumption of liquid and solid foods. Based on the physiological insights obtained, in-mouth investigations on heteroatomic odorants under defined conditions were performed. Using the recently developed SOOM (Spit-Off Odorant Measurement) technique, the in-mouth concentration changes of low concentrations of odorants were followed as a function of time and odorant structure. Thereby, the degree of adsorptive and resorptive effects on the odorants investigated as induced by the mouth mucosa was measured for the first time.