EXP-LA: Olfactory Receptor Cell-Based Detection of Explosives

本研究项目的目标是利用哺乳动物嗅觉感觉神经元（OSNs）开发一种基于气味感知的小型爆炸物探测系统。这将通过制造一个集成的微系统来实现，在这个微系统上培养和监测osn。通过检测osn产生的电信号，可以实现对爆炸物中微量化合物的高灵敏度、高特异性、高速、远距离检测。该研究有望在传统的传感器微系统中添加生物成分，这将对许多应用产生革命性的影响。这项研究将确定和发展解决实现基于细胞的传感器所面临的技术挑战的方法。此外，它将提供一个科学的工具来回答一些关于哺乳动物嗅觉的悬而未决的问题。更广泛的影响其中一个更广泛的影响是，基于细胞的化学传感器将有多种应用，除了IED检测之外：监测食物和空气，基于气味的医疗诊断，机场的药物检测和药物筛选。其他更广泛的影响将是通过新课程对这一领域的学生进行教育，并通过为包括科学、历史和艺术在内的一系列学科的中学教师举办讲习班，提高对纳米-微信息-生物领域前沿的认识。

The objective of this research project is to develop a miniaturized system for detecting explosives based on odorant sensing using mammalian olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). This will be achieved by fabricating an integrated microsystem on which OSNs are cultured and monitored. By detecting the electrical signals produced by OSNs, it would be possible to achieve high-sensitivity, high-specificity, high-speed, stand-off detection of trace amounts of compounds present in explosives. Intellectual Merit The research is expected to add biological components to traditional sensor microsystems, which will be transformative for many applications. This research will identify and develop means for solving the technical challenges facing the realization of cell-based sensors. In addition, it will provide a scientific tool to answer a number of outstanding questions about mammalian olfaction. Broader ImpactsOne of the broader impacts is that cell-based chemical sensors would have diverse applications, outside of IED detection: monitoring food and air, odor-based medical diagnosis, drug detection in airports, and screening of pharmaceuticals. Other broader impacts will be the education of students in this area through new courses, and raising awareness about the cutting edge in the nano-micro-info-bio fields through workshops for middle-school teachers in a range of disciplines, including science, history, and art.