- The chemistry unit is subdivided into two fields of activity, analytical chemistry and galenics. Analytical chemistry aims at indentifying pheromone messages and galenics aims at making these messages readily available.
- The biotechnology unit is subdivided into two main activities : molecular biology and biochemistry. Molecular biology studies and produces, by recombinant technology, the proteins involved in chemical communication. Biochemistry is in charge of the characterization of these proteins for their immunological and functional properties.

- The identification of pheromones (analytical chemistry). The most appropriate medium to capture the pheromonal message is selected, in relation with the relevant department. The sample is then analysed with gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to obtain its structure. Adsorption, headspace and thermo-desorption techniques are regularly used for the processing of all samples to be analysed.

- The development of systems permitting the pheromone to be readily available according to the obligations the environment imposes (Galenics). Techniques of active diffusion such as electrical diffusers and passive diffusion such as polymers and gels have been developed in our laboratory.

The IRSEA's biotechnology laboratory's function is to study and analyse the proteins involved in animal chemical communication. The IRSEA is now a specialist in this field and has, for a long time, had an interest in studying pheromones; the molecules of communication. Pheromones are composed of several chemical components acting as a code in the animals' olfactory system. These chemical signals are processed by different types of proteins : olfactory receptors or vomeronasals and the olfactory proteins linking the odors or pheromones (Odorant Binding Protein and Pheromone Binding Protein). These proteins are essential in a proper integration of the communication chemical signals by the animal.

Moreover, other proteins that seem to have an effect on behaviour, such as MUP (Major Urinary Protein) and Fel d 1, are under study .