A portable and multiplexed bioelectronic sensor using human olfactory and taste receptors

A multiplexed bioelectronic sensor was developed for the purpose of rapid, on-site, and simultaneous detection of various target molecules. Olfactory and taste receptors were produced in Escherichia coli, and the reconstituted receptors were immobilized onto a multi-channel type carbon nanotube field-effect transistor. This device mimicked the human olfactory/taste system and simultaneously measured the conductance changes with high sensitivity and selectivity following treatment with various odor and taste molecules commonly known to be indicators of food contamination. Various pattern recognition of odorants and tastants was available with a customized platform for the simultaneous measurement of electrical signals. The simple portable bioelectronic device was suitable for efficient monitoring of food freshness and is expected to be used as a rapid on-site sensing platform with various applications. •We developed a portable and multiplexed bioelectronic sensor.•Human olfactory and taste receptors were produced in E. coli.•Receptor proteins were immobilized onto a multi-channel CNT-FET.•A miniaturized current measurement system was combined with the bioelectronic sensor.•Various pattern recognition of odor and taste from food samples was available.