Scientists sniff out method to make artificial nose

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry have developed a technique for integrating membrane proteins into artificial structures. The approach promises a path to developing an artificial "nose" which could be used to safely sniff out bioterror attacks, explosives or drugs. The researchers say that membrane proteins can act as ideal biosensors.

"We now have something akin to an instruction manual on how membrane proteins that were previously difficult to access can be produced and analyzed in their active structure," says Eva-Kathrin Sinner.

- check out the release on how to make an artificial nose
- here's the report on the new technology