G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of human membrane proteins, and are responsible for controlling many physiological functions. The range of activators and ligands is unparalleled, these include, hormones, neurotransmitters, sugars, proteins, peptides, and light energy. The ion channel-coupled receptor (ICCR) is an artificial ligand-gated ion channel, based on the fusion of a GPCR and the Kir6.2 ion channel. When the GPCR component is activated by its ligand, conformational changes are passed from the receptor to the channel, altering its flow. This effect can be easily measured by two-electrode voltage-clamp. Due to the huge repertoire of naturally-occurring GPCRs, these molecular sensors are ideal for use in biosensors. Many ICCRs have already been created from different GPCRs, such as for the Muscarinic M2 and Dopamine D2 receptors. The aim of this work is to expand the ICCR technology into the realm of olfactory receptors. Olfactory receptors are some of the least well-studied GPCRs, despite the fact they represent about half of the entire GPCR family in humans. Olfactory receptors are also some of the most interesting, when considering biosensing applications. Olfactory receptors are able to detect, sometimes at extremely low concentrations, volatile organic compounds present in the air. This ability to detect compounds within a gaseous phase presents opportunities for the fields of non-invasive diagnostic, and environmental analysis. Difficulties with the heterologous expression of olfactory receptors were encountered, and so efforts were made to develop the technique in new directions. First attempts were made at expressing ICCRs in insect cells were carried out, and the proteins seemed to express very well. Furthermore, the characterisation of a chimeric receptor, based on the fusion of two GPCRs was attempted, and this chimeric receptor was shown to be functional. This work could provide a way to easily create new ICCRs.