Current and potential biotechnological applications of odorant-binding proteins
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MINI-REVIEW
Current and potential biotechnological applications of odorant-binding proteins Nathália F. Brito 1 & Daniele S. Oliveira 1 & Thaisa C. Santos 1 & Monica F. Moreira 1,2 & Ana Claudia A. Melo 1,2 Received: 15 May 2020 / Revised: 22 August 2020 / Accepted: 26 August 2020 # Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are small soluble proteins whose biological function is believed to be facilitating olfaction by assisting the transport of volatile chemicals in both vertebrate and insect sensory organs, where they are secreted. Their capability to interact with a broad range of hydrophobic compounds combined with interesting features such as being small, stable, and easy to produce and modify, makes them suitable targets for applied research in various industrial segments, including textile, cosmetic, pesticide, and pharmaceutical, as well as for military, environmental, health, and security field applications. In addition to reviewing already established biotechnological applications of OBPs, this paper also discusses their potential use in prospecting of new technologies. The development of new products for insect population management is currently the most prevailing use for OBPs, followed by biosensor technology, an area that has recently seen a significant increase in studies evaluating their incorporation into sensing devices. Finally, less typical approaches include applications in anchorage systems and analytical tools. Key points • Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) present desired characteristics for applied research. • OBPs are mainly used for developing new products for insect population control. • Incorporation of OBPs into chemosensory devices is a growing area of study. • Less conventional uses for OBPs include anchorage systems and analytical purposes.
Keywords Odorant-binding protein . Review . Olfactory system . Biotechnology
Introduction The olfactory system plays an essential role in maintaining life, representing one of the most basic principles in nature: perception of the environment in order to make sense of odorant cues that elicit behavioral responses which are crucial for survival. It is well established that, through olfaction, mammalians can constantly monitor the ever-changing chemical
* Ana Claudia A. Melo [email protected] 1
Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-909, Brazil
2
Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
composition of their surroundings by detecting compounds, some of them in concentrations as low as parts per trillion (Breer 2003). Similarly, insects are able to use various semiochemicals to find one another, locate food sources, oviposition sites, mating partners, suitable hosts and identify predators (Brito et al. 2016). Knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism involving odorant detection is essential when working towards the discovery of biotechnological ap
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