Olfactory Receptor Cross-Adaptation Odor Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sensuous deodorization, particularly through olfactory cross-adaptation, lack a systematic approach to identify substances that effectively suppress target odors by activating specific olfactory receptors, due to the complexity of olfactory receptor interactions and the unknown mechanisms of odor perception.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the identification of olfactory receptor polypeptides responsive to target odor causative substances, followed by testing substances to activate these receptors, thereby inducing cross-adaptation and suppressing the target odor, using a combination of bioinformatics and biochemical assays to select substances that activate the olfactory receptors with high responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical deodorization or physical deodorization methods are used, then odor suppression can be achieved, but the mechanism is not based on olfactory receptor control and lacks selectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the odor suppression approach by targeting specific olfactory receptors responsible for detecting target odors, rather than using general deodorization methods. This allows selective suppression of specific odors while preserving detection of other odors, achieving both effectiveness and selectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary substance that acts as an antagonist to the olfactory receptor, blocking the receptor's response to the target odor without completely disabling the receptor. This intermediary approach enables selective odor suppression while maintaining the receptor's overall functionality
2Ease of operation
If cross-adaptation method is used to suppress odor, then sensuous deodorization can be achieved, but there is no systematic method to identify effective substances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary identification of olfactory receptors that detect target odors before selecting cross-adaptation substances. This systematic preliminary characterization of the olfactory receptor repertoire enables rational selection of effective cross-adaptation agents rather than random screening
Solution Approach 2:
The invention establishes a feedback mechanism where the identified olfactory receptors and their ligand specificities inform the selection of cross-adaptation substances. This feedback loop allows iterative optimization of odor suppression effectiveness based on receptor activation patterns
3Extent of automation
If antagonist of olfactory receptor is used for masking, then direct control of olfactory receptor is achieved, but the method is limited to inhibition rather than activation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional masking approach by using agonists that activate olfactory receptors instead of antagonists that inhibit them. This inversion leverages the cross-adaptation phenomenon where activation of the same receptor by a different ligand leads to reduced sensitivity to the target odor, providing a novel deodorization mechanism
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
This approach allows for the efficient selection of substances that can selectively deodorize target odors by activating specific olfactory receptors, providing a systematic method for odor suppression based on cross-adaptation principles, verified through biochemical and sensory tests.
Implementation Method 1
adding a test substance to the identified olfactory receptor polypeptide to measure response thereof; and selecting a test substance which activates the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for searching for a substance suppressing a target odor through cross-adaptation is provided. A method for selecting a substance inducing cross-adaptation of a target odor includes: searching olfactory receptor polypeptides to identify an olfactory receptor polypeptide responding to a causative substance of the target odor; adding a test substance, which is different from the causative substance of the target odor, to the identified olfactory receptor polypeptide to measure response thereof; and selecting the test substance which activates the response of the olfactory receptor polypeptide as the substance inducing the cross-adaptation of the target odor.