Odor-sensitive field effect transistor (OSFET) based on insect cells expressing insect odorant receptors

We here propose a completely novel bio-hybrid electronic odorant sensor, termed odor-sensitive field effect transistor (OSFET), which was developed based on insect cells expressing insect odorant receptors (ORs). Living cells of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda: Sf21 cells) were integrated over a CMOS post-processed Al
₂
O
₃
layer on extended gate terminals of a foundry-made MOSFETs. Exposure of the living cells expressing insect ORs to a specific odorant induced ion influxes, which modulated the drain current of the FET. The electrical output discriminated amongst nearly identical odorants (Δw/w = 0.85%) with high sensitivity and selectivity.