POTENTIOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF SELECTIVE INTERACTION OF ODORANTS ON BLACK LIPID-MEMBRANES

The interaction of odorant compounds with lipid layer was selected as a base of new potentiometric sensor for neutral molecules. The planar lipid bilayer (BLM) was applied as a model for performing the investig ations. BLM was modified by incorporating of beta-carotene. The follow ing compounds: citral, bornyl acatate, geraniol, gamma-terpineol and m enthol were used as the odorants (stimulants). Under the stimulation o f BLM by investigated compounds, the potential changes were observed. The obtained results indicated that the values of depolarisation degre e of BLM caused by odorants were higher in the case of BLM modified by beta-carotene than in the case of pure lipid membrane. The incorporat ion of beta-carotene into BLM increased the sensitivity and selectivit y. In this case the relationship between the polarity of neutral compo unds and potential changes was observed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A .