Insect Antennae as biosensors

S. Schütz 1 , B. Weißbecker 1 , P. Schroth 2 & M.J. Schöning 2

Insect antenna are morphologically and physiologically highly specialised organs for odour perception. Their sensitivity, selectivity, and response time cannot be matched by any technical method of trace analysis. Utilisation of these unique abilities of insects for trace analytical purposes demands a thorough adaptation of technical devices to the special needs of insect antennae. Former approaches using electroantennogram (EAG) techniques are highly sophisticated yet (Koch et al., 1997), however, insect antenna have to be damaged limiting lifetime of the preparations. Using a field effect transistor directly coupled to an undamaged insect antenna proved to solve some of the problems (Schroth et al., 1999). Therefore, practical applications of biosensors on the basis of intact insect antennae as a sensitive odour detecting device become more feasible. Besides sex pheromones, insect antenna are able to detect a broad range of odours specific to their habitat. The Colorado beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) shows a high sensitivity to damage induced volatiles released by potato plants (Schütz et al., 1997), the Steelblue jewel beetle (Phaenops cyanea) detects stressed and burned trees, and the Black jewel beetle (Melanophila acuminata) shows a very high sensitivity to wood-fire specific volatiles (Schütz et al., 1999). First practical applications of the biosensor in plant protection and stored food protection will be presented and further possible applications in food quality assessment and fire early warning will be discussed.

Index terms: L. decemlineata, Ph. cyanea, M. acuminata, odour detection

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