Insect Odorant Receptor Sensor Without Orco
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors for detecting analytes, such as VOCs, are limited in sensitivity and specificity, and existing technologies based on insect odorant receptors require the co-receptor Orco for functionality, making them inconvenient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device is developed that utilizes purified insect odorant receptor OrX immobilized on a substrate without the need for Orco, enhancing sensitivity and allowing for specific detection of analytes at low concentrations by measuring changes in electrical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If insect OR-based systems with Orco are used, then detection functionality is achieved, but sensitivity is insufficient and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the OrX receptor component, removing the Orco co-receptor that was previously necessary for insect OR functionality. This extraction of the essential detection element (OrX) while discarding the unnecessary component (Orco) resolves the contradiction by achieving detection sensitivity without the added complexity of the co-receptor system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the insect olfactory receptor system into its constituent parts (OrX and Orco) and determines that only OrX is necessary for analyte detection. By isolating and utilizing just the OrX segment, the system achieves the required detection functionality without the complexity of the complete OrX-Orco complex
2Adaptability or versatility
If insect OR-based systems are implemented, then analyte detection capability is provided, but cost and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the minimal necessary component (OrX) from the complex insect OR system, eliminating the need for Orco and associated complex expression systems. This extraction enables simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing and improves portability while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs purified OrX that can be produced through simplified methods compared to full insect OR systems. This approach uses more affordable, potentially single-use or limited-life receptor preparations that eliminate the need for complex living cell systems, reducing both cost and improving portability
3Ease of operation
If conventional e-nose technologies are used, then portability is achieved, but sensitivity and specificity are inferior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electronic/chemical sensor arrays (e-nose mechanics) with a biologically-based detection system using purified OrX receptors. This substitution achieves superior sensitivity and specificity through biological recognition while maintaining portability through the use of simplified, non-cell-based receptor preparations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sensor provides significant improvements in sensitivity and convenience, enabling detection of analytes at concentrations as low as 10^-18 M without the requirement of Orco, offering a more portable and cost-effective solution for monitoring analytes in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
Insect ORs function as heteromeric ligand-gated cation channels
Implementation Method 2
the inventors have shown that the novel sensor is functional in the absence of an Orco
Implementation Method 3
the sensor device is configured to detect a change in an electrical characteristic of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a sensor device comprising an insect odorant receptor (OrX) in electrical communication with a substrate, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect a change in an electrical characteristic of the substrate. The invention also provides sensor device component comprising an insect odorant receptor (OrX) in electrical communication with a substrate. The invention also provides methods for manufacture and use of the sensor device and sensor device component. The invention also provides methods of use of the sensor to detect an analyte.