Recent Advances in Olfactory Receptor (OR) Biosensors and Cell Signaling Cascade Amplification Systems

Abstract

There are a variety of methods to detect odorant molecules, including gas chromatography (GC) and its related coupled techniques, electronic noses, and olfactory receptor (OR)-based biosensors. Nevertheless, studies in which cell and cell signaling amplifier systems were directly utilizied to detect odors are very few. In this review, we aim to provide some references and suggestions for researchers in related fields by summarizing OR sensors and olfactory cell signaling cascade amplifier systems. In this paper, we summarize the detection methods for odorants, introduce the research and progress on OR sensors, and present a proposal of utilizing cell or tissue signaling cascade amplifier systems to amplify electrochemical signals and the use of the G protein signaling cascade amplifier system to prepare electrochemical biosensors. In recent years, the detection technology of electrochemical sensors has matured. Meanwhile, olfactory sensation within organisms basically transfer nerve signals or metabolic endocrine signals in the form of electrochemical signals. Therefore, ORs combined with cell signaling cascade amplifier systems, as well as electrochemical sensors of signal cascade amplifier systems, have incredible prospects for development and application. The proposal of OR electrochemical biosensors and their cell signaling cascade amplifier systems, provides a new idea and a quantitative method for the detection and assessment of odorants and their physiologic processes in the nervous system.

Cyclic voltammetry of immobilized particles as an alternative pesticide screening method for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

“…GC/GC-MS [7,9] Excellent ability to detect odors Skilled operators needs Electronic nose [7] Small volume needs, High reliability, Quick response Single use of gas phase samples NIR spectrum technology [7] High sensitivity Performing simultaneous analysis and measurement of a variety of gases…”

“…Microcantilever biosensor [7] Small volume needs, Portability Easy assembly [7] Providing guidance on attractants, lures and insect repellents Undetermination of odorant molecules concentrations based on quartz crystal devices [10,11] High sensitivity Fast response speed Real time dynamic detection based on field effect transistors (FETs) [7] Quick response Very good selectivity based on microelectrodes [7] Allowing study of characteristics of the olfactory response of neurons Inability to show actual action between cells and ligands based on light addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPSs) [7] Easy flowing fluids measurements thanks to smooth surfaces Simple manufacturing Long service Addressable measurement at any location of the chip surface Electrochemical biosensor [7] Simple instrumentation Easy to use Quick response…”

“…Targeting the olfactive apparatus may be a strategy to prevent from vector-borne diseases. In fact, several studies [6][7][8] have shown the importance of the role of olfaction in the orientation and behavior of insects for finding hosts and essential nutrients for survival, laying eggs, expressing social attributes and reproduction and avoiding enemies [7]. Many techniques have already been developed to study olfaction in insects [7].…”