Abstract: A taste measurement method using a taste sensor with a molecular film for an amphiphatic or bitter substance comprises dipping the taste sensor in the target measurement solution for a predetermined period of time; removing, from the target measurement solution, the taste sensor which has been dipped in the target measurement solution for the predetermined period of time, without obtaining a sensor response; and subsequently dipping the taste sensor in a reference solution to obtain a sensor response, wherein the sensor response is defined as the taste information of the target measurement solution.

Abstract: A taste sensor has a lipid membrane including lipid molecules and a membrane-forming material for accommodating at least some of the lipid molecules on its surface. The lipid membrane induces a change in electrical characteristics, when a taste substance reacts with the surface of the lipid membrane. A signal processing unit receives a signal indicating a change in electrical characteristics induced by the taste sensor and generates data for determining the taste of the taste substance.

Abstract: A method for separately detecting tastes of a plurality of similar samples by using a taste sensor employing a lipid membrane includes first, second, third, and fourth steps. In the first step, a reference solution having a taste identical or similar to one of the plurality of samples is prepared. In the second step, the reference solution is measured by using the taste sensor. In the third step, one of the plurality of samples is measured by using the taste sensor. In the fourth step, a relative value Vi-V0 of the sample is calculated from the measured value V0 of the reference solution and the measured value Vi of the sample. The second to fourth steps are repeatedly performed for each of the plurality of samples.