A cell-based electrochemical taste sensor for detection of Hydroxy-?-sanshool

The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) has been identified as a suitable candidate for a spicy taste (Zanthoxylum plant) sensor. In this study, we investigated the response of TRPV1 expressed on human HepG2 cell membranes following stimulation with Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool. A three-dimensional (3D) cell-based electro-chemical sensor was fabricated by layering cells expressing hTRPV1. L-cysteine/AuNFs electrodes were func-tionalized on indium tin oxide-coated glass (ITO) to enhance the sensor's selectivity and sensitivity. HepG2 cells were encapsulated in sodium alginate/gelatin hydrogel to create a 3D cell cultivation system, which was immobilized on the L-cysteine/AuNFs/ITO to serve as biorecognition elements. Using differential pulse vol-tammetry (DPV), the developed biosensor was utilized to detect Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, a representative substance in Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. The result obtained from DPV was linear with Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool con-centrations ranging from 0 to 70 mu mol/L, with a detection limit of 2.23 mu mol/L. This biosensor provides a sensitive and novel macroscopic approach for TRPV1 detection.