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Detection of explosives by olfactory sensory neurons
Angela Corcelli1, Simona Lobasso, Patrizia Lopalco
1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical Biology and Medical Physics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. a.corcelli@biologia.uniba.it
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|November 17, 2009
Summary
Mammalian olfactory sensory neurons can detect explosives like TNT and RDX. These findings suggest a potential for detecting landmines through their unique chemical signatures.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Antipersonnel landmines pose significant threats, and their detection remains a challenge.
- Landmines release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and explosive residues, creating a characteristic odor profile.
- Understanding the olfactory response to these compounds is crucial for developing novel detection methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the olfactory sensory neuron response to specific explosive compounds (TNT, RDX) and landmine-associated VOCs.
- To identify the chemical components contributing to the 'perfume' of landmines.
- To evaluate the interaction of explosives with mammalian olfactory receptors.
Main Methods:
- Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of landmine plastic components.
- Electro-olfactogram (EOG) and calcium imaging techniques on rat olfactory mucosa.
- Measurement of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in isolated pig olfactory cilia upon exposure to odorants and explosives.
Main Results:
- GC/MS identified key chemical components in the vapors of various landmines.
- Both rat and pig olfactory systems demonstrated responses to TNT, RDX, and specific VOCs.
- Exposure to explosives altered cAMP levels in pig olfactory cilia, indicating receptor interaction.
Conclusions:
- Chemical compounds associated with explosives and explosive devices can activate mammalian olfactory receptors.
- This activation suggests a biological basis for olfactory detection of landmines.
- Further research may lead to the development of sensitive, bio-based landmine detection technologies.
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