Human olfactory receptor-based CNT-FET sensor for the detection of DMMP as a simulant of sarin

Abstract

Dimetyl metylphosphonate (DMMP) is a simulant of sarin that representative of nerve agents. Sarin is an organophosphorus toxic compound that is an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase which paralyzes human neurotransmission and autonomic nervous system. Detection of these nerve agents is important for safety from terrorism and military threats. Although there have been many studies on sensors for detecting DMMP as simulant of sarin, they still showed some limitations in specificity, sensitivity and practicality. To overcome these limitations, we applied a human olfactory receptor (hOR)-based single-walled carbon nanotube-field effect transistor (swCNT-FET). The hOR has high specificity for certain target molecule and swCNT-FET has high sensitivity that could convert biological signal to electrical one. Through hORs screening, hOR2T7 had high selectivity for DMMP and it was produced, purified and reconstituted for development of hOR2T7-conjugated bioelectronic nose (hOR2T7 B-nose). These hOR2T7 B-nose was able to selectively detect DMMP at a concentration of 10 fM. This shows the ultrasensitive and selective performance for the detection of DMMP as a tool for sensing CWAs, which could be used for practical application in field of safety.