Abstract

A five channel potentiometric taste sensor consisting of an array of All Solid State Electrodes (ASSESs) with different lipid-polymer membranes has been developed. The electrodes are constructed of glassy carbon discs with electrochemically deposited poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) acting as ion to electron transducer. The outer layer of the electrode is lipid-polymer membrane. Lipid substances immobilized in PVC membranes can be divided into cationic: 1 -benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride, 2 -dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide and anionic: 3 -palmitic acid,4 - stearic acid, and 5 - phytol. It is already known that the sensor’s output exhibits similar patterns for acidic substances of ionic structure like hydrochloric, citric, acetic tartaric acids. It is well known that the type of sweetness varies with the substance in terms of its taste and aftertaste The sweet taste and aftertaste of intense sweeteners is very specific and usually easily recognized comparing to that of carbohydrates In this work the sensor’s responses to different sweet substances have been examined. The output patterns for monosaccharides (glucose and fructose), disaccharides (sucrose and lactose) as well as intense sweeteners of various molecular structures (acesulfame K, aspartame) have been studied. The relationship between the sensor’s response patterns and sweetness values of studied sweet substances has been investigated. The influence of the chemical structure of sweet substances on electrodes’ responses has also been discussed. The results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the sensor’s responses have been presented in the context of its capability of discriminating the sweet flavour of the studied carbohydrates and intense sweeteners. In the long run this sensor is intended to be applied for discrimination of a vast number of commercially available soft drinks.

Authors (2)