Olfactory receptor specific selection and EEG responses underlie differential perception of caramel odorant isomers:...

Furaneol and sotolone are caramel aroma isomers with distinct sensory qualities, yet how their differential perception emerges from molecular to neural levels remains unclear. This study integrates sensory analysis, molecular dynamics, and EEG to address this gap. Sensory evaluation showed furaneol was more pleasant and had a tenfold lower detection threshold than sotolone. Simulations revealed furaneol binds stably to OR5M3 via TYR-257, while sotolone interacts selectively with OR8D1 via HIS-159/ASN-206. EEG identified that furaneol uniquely enhanced frontal θ power (4-8 Hz), associated with cognitive engagement, whereas both odorants increased α/β power. These results demonstrate that perceptual differences originate from receptor-specific binding and are cortically encoded in distinct oscillatory patterns. This multi-level approach provides a mechanistic framework linking molecular interactions to perception, supporting the rational design of flavors.