Biophysical Aspects of Olfaction

• Applicant: Dr. David Zwicker
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2015 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 280684402

Smell is the most important sense for identifying chemicals in our surrounding. Despite its importance, little is known about how these chemicals are represented during processing by the olfactory system. One of the main open questions is how ~350 different receptor types can encode the many more odorants that we are able to smell. Furthermore, it is unclear how information about odor mixtures and the concentrations of individual odorants therein are conveyed.In this proposal, we described methods for studying the physical aspects of olfaction. In particular, we want to understand what limitations the receptor design puts on the amount of information that can be transferred to the brain. We propose a simple microscopic framework, which will allow us to analyze different receptor models in detail. We will use the results in a macroscopic, stochastic model, where the interaction of many receptors and odorants in physiologically relevant numbers can be studied. Additionally, we will investigate the fluid dynamics of sniffing to assess how odorants are inhaled. This part will be helpful in interpreting experimental results from our collaborators. Taken together, this work will improve our understanding of olfactory receptors and their design principles, which can then help to improve artificial chemical sensors.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Michael P. Brenner