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

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.

Statistical models discriminating between complex samples measured with microfluidic receptor-cell arrays

“…Receptomics research with microfluidic receptor cell arrays aims to measure purely biological responses without a complicated biological system surrounding it [1–3]. For example, the human tongue can be emulated on a chip by an array containing G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), e.g ., in the form of reconstituted receptor proteins [4] or vesicles [5]. Another possibility is formed by living cells expressing the genes coding for particular GPCRs, produced by either reverse-transfecting a generic cell line on the chip [6] or spotting pre-transfected cells [7].…”

A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors

“…Although the benefits of rose oil are known to be mediated through the olfactory system [ 39 ], OR involvement is rarely mentioned. However, the activation of an OR (hOR1A2) with molecules present in a rose oil was already investigated [ 40 ] and the authors showed that citronellol and geraniol activate this receptor. Here, for the first time, we confirm that a rose extract activates skin ORs.…”

The Emergence of Insect Odorant Receptor-Based Biosensors

“…hOR, human odorant receptor; DmelOR, Drosophila melanogaster odorant receptor; MDL, minimum detection limit. Data cited from: Jin et al [35]; Goldsmith et al [36]; Yang et al [46]; Lee et al [47]; Murugathas et al [48]; Khadka et al [49]; Sung et al [50]; Lim et al [51]; Oh et al [52]; Park et al [53]; and Ahn et al [54].…”

“…Application of the device in food spoilage was also demonstrated, as shown in Figure 3. In a recent publication by the same group, a human OR was used for the electronic detection of a rose scent with a reported sensitivity in the fM range [47]. Biosensing with nanodisc-embedded insect ORs was recently demonstrated using multiple Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) ORs: OR10a, OR22a, OR35a, and OR71a.…”