Advancing Inexpensive Electroantennography
Location
Village Square
Department
Chemistry
Abstract
Electroantennograms (EAGs) are useful tools for teaching chemistry and electrophysiology by measuring olfactory responses in insects from isolated chemicals. However, they are expensive and can be difficult to acquire in undergraduate labs. Previous research in our lab demonstrated the use of a pH meter to perform electroantennography more inexpensively and therefore more accessibly. However, we had not demonstrated a chemical-specific response by the antennae, which would allow us to determine whether the signal was truly in response to the chemical and to possibly differentiate between different signaling chemicals. Also, the return of signal to baseline was slowed by poor air circulation in the original design. We redesigned the EAG apparatus to solve the air flow problem and allow introduction of 0.1 microliters of volatile organic liquids into the air stream, and compared the signal generated by (E)-2-hexenal (a pheromone component), hexane (non-pheromone), and other chemicals. Our research also currently seems to indicate that anaesthetization of the Spined Soldier Bug using dry ice (CO2) prior to mounting on the EAG influences the signal. Our preliminary results will be presented.
Faculty Sponsor
Charles Abrams, Truman College
Advancing Inexpensive Electroantennography
Village Square
Electroantennograms (EAGs) are useful tools for teaching chemistry and electrophysiology by measuring olfactory responses in insects from isolated chemicals. However, they are expensive and can be difficult to acquire in undergraduate labs. Previous research in our lab demonstrated the use of a pH meter to perform electroantennography more inexpensively and therefore more accessibly. However, we had not demonstrated a chemical-specific response by the antennae, which would allow us to determine whether the signal was truly in response to the chemical and to possibly differentiate between different signaling chemicals. Also, the return of signal to baseline was slowed by poor air circulation in the original design. We redesigned the EAG apparatus to solve the air flow problem and allow introduction of 0.1 microliters of volatile organic liquids into the air stream, and compared the signal generated by (E)-2-hexenal (a pheromone component), hexane (non-pheromone), and other chemicals. Our research also currently seems to indicate that anaesthetization of the Spined Soldier Bug using dry ice (CO2) prior to mounting on the EAG influences the signal. Our preliminary results will be presented.