Your Nose Could Use Quantum Tunneling To Distinguish Between Similar Molecules

MIT researchers and their Greek colleagues have begun to explore the possibility that the human nose distinguishes molecule based on a process known as quantum tunneling. In short, quantum tunneling lets a particle "tunnel" through a barrier when its kinetic energy is less than the potential energy of the barrier. For electrons, in electron tunneling microscopes, this means moving through non-conducting zones they should not normally be able to move through. In the nose, a process by which current is passed through molecules entering the nose may be able to distinguish between two molecules of similar size and shape. Without being in close proximity to the molecule, current may still be able to pass through the molecule by the electron tunneling method just discussed. Thus far, research has pertained to fruit flies as nearly identical molecules, dueterated variants, were introduced into the nose of these fruit flies. The success in distinguishing the difference between these molecules was staggering. As the key distinguishing component resides in the vibration of the electron current supplied to the molecules, research suggests that artificial noses and engineered scents may be sooner than once thought. Perhaps even in the future, medical diagnostics may utilize this research to better understand the inner workings of nasal passages and molecular distinction within the nose.

This article was of interest to me as I am interested in pursuing the biomaterials and tissue engineering track of biomedical engineering, and the research put forth by the MIT researchers may be useful in the creation of the aforementioned artificial noses. To bring a sense of smell to damaged olfactory senses would be insurmountable and allow engineers to better understand how the sense of smell works in its entirety. Additionally, the concept of using current to produce vibrations in molecules for identification may lead to some electrical engineering concepts that may be present in medical devices for those with damaged olfactory senses.

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-02/your-nose-could-leverage-quantum-tools-distinguish-between-similar-molecules

Andrew Wagner

VTPP 435-502