Human-like smelling of a rose scent using an olfactory receptor nanodisc-based bioelectronic nose

Sci Rep. 2018 Sep 17;8(1):13945. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-32155-1.

Abstract

We report a strategy for the human-like smelling of a rose scent utilizing olfactory receptor nanodisc (ND)-based bioelectronic nose devices. In this strategy, a floating electrode (FE)-based carbon nanotube (CNT) field effect transistor (FET) was functionalized with human olfactory receptor 1A2 (hOR1A2)-embedded NDs (hOR1A2NDs). The hOR1A2NDs responded to rose scent molecules specifically, which were monitored electrically using the underlying CNT-FET. This strategy allowed us to quantitatively assess the contents of geraniol and citronellol, the main components of a rose scent, as low as 1 fM and 10 fM, respectively. In addition, it enabled us to selectively discriminate a specific rose odorant from other odorants. Significantly, we also demonstrated that the responses of hOR1A2NDs to a rose scent could be strongly enhanced by enhancer materials like a human nose. Furthermore, the method provided a means to quantitatively evaluate rose scent components in real samples such as rose oil. Since our method allows one to quantitatively evaluate general rose scent ingredients just like a human nose, it could be a powerful strategy for versatile basic research and various applications such as fragrance development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Electronic Nose
  • Humans
  • Nose / physiology*
  • Odorants
  • Olfactory Receptor Neurons / metabolism
  • Pheromones / metabolism
  • Receptors, Odorant / metabolism*
  • Rosa / metabolism*
  • Smell / physiology*
  • Transistors, Electronic

Substances

  • Pheromones
  • Receptors, Odorant