A novel detection strategy for odorant molecules based on controlled bioengineering of rat olfactory receptor 17

In this study, we report a dose-dependent detection of odorant molecules in solution by rat olfactory receptor 17 (OR 17) in its membrane fraction. The OR 17 is immobilized on a gold electrode by multilayer bioengineering based on a mixed self-assembled monolayer and biotin/avidin system, which allows for a well-controlled immobilization of the bioreceptor within its lipid environment. The odorant detection is electronically performed in a quantitative manner by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements on samples and controls. circle dot 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.