Simultaneous voltammetric detection of glucose and lactate fluctuations in rat striatum evoked by electrical stimulation of the midbrain

Optimized Fabrication of Carbon-Fiber Microbiosensors for Codetection of Glucose and Dopamine in Brain Tissue

Dopamine (DA) signaling is critically important in striatal function, and this metabolically demanding process is fueled largely by glucose. However, DA and glucose are typically studied independently and, as such, the precise relationship between DA release and glucose availability remains unclear. Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is commonly coupled with carbon-fiber microelectrodes to study DA transients. These microelectrodes can be modified with glucose oxidase (GOx) to generate microbiosensors capable of simultaneously quantifying real-time and physiologically relevant fluctuations of glucose, a nonelectrochemically active substrate, and DA, which is readily oxidized and reduced at the electrode surface. A chitosan hydrogel can be electrodeposited to entrap the oxidase enzyme on the sensor surface for stable, sensitive, and selective codetection of glucose and DA using FSCV. This strategy can also be used to entrap lactate oxidase on the carbon-fiber surface for codetection of lactate and DA. However, these custom probes are individually fabricated by hand, and performance is variable. This study characterizes the physical nature of the hydrogel and its effects on the acquired electrochemical data in the detection of glucose (2.6 mM) and DA (1 μM). The results demonstrate that the electrodeposition of the hydrogel membrane is improved using a linear potential sweep rather than a direct step to the target potential. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data relate information on the physical nature of the electrode/solution interface to the electrochemical performance of bare and enzyme-modified carbon-fiber microelectrodes. The electrodeposition waveform and scan rate were characterized for optimal membrane formation and performance. Finally, codetection of both DA/glucose and DA/lactate was demonstrated in intact rat striatum using probes fabricated according to the optimized protocol. Overall, this work improves the reliable fabrication of carbon-fiber microbiosensors for codetection of DA and important energetic substrates that are locally delivered to the recording site to meet metabolic demand.

Advancements in Brain Research: The In Vivo/In Vitro Electrochemical Detection of Neurochemicals

Neurochemicals, crucial for nervous system function, influence vital bodily processes and their fluctuations are linked to neurodegenerative diseases and mental health conditions. Monitoring these compounds is pivotal, yet the intricate nature of the central nervous system poses challenges. Researchers have devised methods, notably electrochemical sensing with micro-nanoscale electrodes, offering high-resolution monitoring despite low concentrations and rapid changes. Implantable sensors enable precise detection in brain tissues with minimal damage, while microdialysis-coupled platforms allow in vivo sampling and subsequent in vitro analysis, addressing the selectivity issues seen in other methods. While lacking temporal resolution, techniques like HPLC and CE complement electrochemical sensing's selectivity, particularly for structurally similar neurochemicals. This review covers essential neurochemicals and explores miniaturized electrochemical sensors for brain analysis, emphasizing microdialysis integration. It discusses the pros and cons of these techniques, forecasting electrochemical sensing's future in neuroscience research. Overall, this comprehensive review outlines the evolution, strengths, and potential applications of electrochemical sensing in the study of neurochemicals, offering insights into future advancements in the field.

Challenges and strategies faced in the electrochemical biosensing analysis of neurochemicals in vivo: A review

Our brain is an intricate neuromodulatory network, and various neurochemicals, including neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, gases, ions, and energy metabolites, play important roles in regulating normal brain function. Abnormal release or imbalance of these substances will lead to various diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, therefore, in situ and real-time analysis of neurochemical interactions in pathophysiological conditions is beneficial to facilitate our understanding of brain function. Implantable electrochemical biosensors are capable of monitoring neurochemical signals in real time in extracellular fluid of specific brain regions because they can provide excellent temporal and spatial resolution. However, in vivo electrochemical biosensing analysis mainly faces the following challenges: First, foreign body reactions induced by microelectrode implantation, non-specific adsorption of proteins and redox products, and aggregation of glial cells, which will cause irreversible degradation of performance such as stability and sensitivity of the microsensor and eventually lead to signal loss; Second, various neurochemicals coexist in the complex brain environment, and electroactive substances with similar formal potentials interfere with each other. Therefore, it is a great challenge to design recognition molecules and tailor functional surfaces to develop in vivo electrochemical biosensors with high selectivity. Here, we take the above challenges as a starting point and detail the basic design principles for improving in vivo stability, selectivity and sensitivity of microsensors through some specific functionalized surface strategies as case studies. At the same time, we summarize surface modification strategies for in vivo electrochemical biosensing analysis of some important neurochemicals for researchers' reference. In addition, we also focus on the electrochemical detection of low basal concentrations of neurochemicals in vivo via amperometric waveform techniques, as well as the stability and biocompatibility of reference electrodes during long-term sensing, and provide an outlook on the future direction of in vivo electrochemical neurosensing.

Simultaneous, Real-Time Detection of Glutamate and Dopamine in Rat Striatum Using Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry

Glutamate and dopamine (DA) represent two key contributors to striatal functioning, a region of the brain that is essential to motor coordination and motivated behavior. While electroanalytical techniques can be utilized for rapid, spatially resolved detection of DA in the interferent-rich brain environment, glutamate, a nonelectroactive analyte, cannot be directly detected using electroanalytical techniques. However, it can be probed using enzyme-based sensors, which generate an electroactive reporter in the presence of glutamate. The vast majority of glutamate biosensors have relied on amperometric sensing, which is an inherently nonselective detection technique. This approach necessitates the use of complex and performance-limiting modifications to ensure the desired single-analyte specificity. Here, we present a novel glutamate microbiosensor fabricated on a carbon-fiber microelectrode substrate and coupled with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) to enable the simultaneous quantification of glutamate and DA at single recording sites in the brain, which is impossible when using typical amperometric approaches. The glutamate microbiosensors were characterized for sensitivity, stability, and selectivity by using a voltammetric waveform optimized for the simultaneous detection of both species. The applicability of these sensors for the investigation of neural circuits was validated in the rat ventral striatum. Electrically evoked glutamate and DA release were recorded at single-micrometer-scale locations before and after pharmacological manipulation of glutamatergic signaling. Our novel glutamate microbiosensor advances the state of the art by providing a powerful tool for probing coordination between these two species in a way that has previously not been possible.

Simultaneous Detection of L-Lactate and D-Glucose Using DNA Aptamers in Human Blood Serum

L-lactate is a key metabolite indicative of physiological states, glycolysis pathways, and various diseases such as sepsis, heart attack, lactate acidosis, and cancer. Detection of lactate has been relying on a few enzymes that need additional oxidants. In this work, DNA aptamers for L-lactate were obtained using a library-immobilization selection method and the highest affinity aptamer reached a K_d of 0.43 mM as determined using isothermal titration calorimetry. The aptamers showed up to 50-fold selectivity for L-lactate over D-lactate and had little responses to other closely related analogs such as pyruvate or 3-hydroxybutyrate. A fluorescent biosensor based on the strand displacement method showed a limit of detection of 0.55 mM L-lactate, and the sensor worked in 90 % serum. Simultaneous detection of L-lactate and D-glucose in the same solution was achieved. This work has broadened the scope of aptamers to simple metabolites and provided a useful probe for continuous and multiplexed monitoring.

Multi-Spatiotemporal Probing of Neurochemical Events by Advanced Electrochemical Sensing Methods

Neurochemical events involving biosignals of different time and space dimensionalities constitute the complex basis of neurological functions and diseases. In view of this fact, electrochemical measurements enabling real-time quantification of neurochemicals at multiple levels of spatiotemporal resolution can provide informative clues to decode the molecular networks bridging vesicles and brains. This Minireview focuses on how scientific questions regarding the properties of single vesicles, neurotransmitter release kinetics, interstitial neurochemical dynamics, and multisignal interconnections in vivo have driven the design of electrochemical nano/microsensors, sensing interface engineering, and signal/data processing. An outlook for the future frontline in this realm will also be provided.

Electric Field Effect on Inhibiting the Co-fibrillation of Amyloid Peptides by Modulating the Aggregation Pathway

With the revelation of the close link between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type II diabetes (T2D) and the possible assembly of multiple amyloid peptides therein, it is critical to understand and regulate the co-fibrillation pathway between related amyloid peptides. Here, we show experimentally and theoretically that electric field (EF) inhibited hybrid amyloid fibrillation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and human islet amyloid peptide (hIAPP) by modulating the hetero-aggregation pathway. Experimental results confirm that the β-sheet secondary structure of amyloid peptides would be disrupted under small static EF and accompanied by transforming fibril aggregates into amorphous particles in vitro. Molecular dynamics simulations further demonstrate that even with the transformation of the secondary structure from β-sheet to random coil, the strong interaction between Aβ and hIAPP peptides would remain largely unaffected under the small static EF, leading to the formation of amorphous nanoparticles observed in the experiments. This inhibitory effect of EF on the co-fibrillation of multiple amyloid peptides might contribute to reducing the mutual deterioration of different degenerative diseases and show great potential for the noninvasive treatment of amyloid-related diseases.

A Platinized Carbon Fiber Microelectrode-Based Oxidase Biosensor for Amperometric Monitoring of Lactate in Brain Slices

BACKGROUND

Direct and real-time monitoring of lactate in the extracellular space can help elucidate the metabolic and modulatory role of lactate in the brain. Compared to in vivo studies, brain slices allow the investigation of the neural contribution separately from the effects of cerebrovascular response and permit easy control of recording conditions.

METHODS

We have used a platinized carbon fiber microelectrode platform to design an oxidase-based microbiosensor for monitoring lactate in brain slices with high spatial and temporal resolution operating at 32 °C. Lactate oxidase (Aerococcus viridans) was immobilized by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde and a layer of polyurethane was added to extend the linear range. Selectivity was improved by electropolymerization of m-phenylenediamine and concurrent use of a null sensor.

RESULTS

The lactate microbiosensor exhibited high sensitivity, selectivity, and optimal analytical performance at a pH and temperature compatible with recording in hippocampal slices. Evaluation of operational stability under conditions of repeated use supports the suitability of this design for up to three repeated assays.

CONCLUSIONS

The microbiosensor displayed good analytical performance to monitor rapid changes in lactate concentration in the hippocampal tissue in response to potassium-evoked depolarization.

Carbon microelectrodes with customized shapes for neurotransmitter detection: A review

Carbon is a popular electrode material for neurotransmitter detection due to its good electrochemical properties, high biocompatibility, and inert chemistry. Traditional carbon electrodes, such as carbon fibers, have smooth surfaces and fixed shapes. However, newer studies customize the shape and nanostructure the surface to enhance electrochemistry for different applications. In this review, we show how changing the structure of carbon electrodes with methods such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), wet-etching, direct laser writing (DLW), and 3D printing leads to different electrochemical properties. The customized shapes include nanotips, complex 3D structures, porous structures, arrays, and flexible sensors with patterns. Nanostructuring enhances sensitivity and selectivity, depending on the carbon nanomaterial used. Carbon nanoparticle modifications enhance electron transfer kinetics and prevent fouling for neurochemicals that are easily polymerized. Porous electrodes trap analyte momentarily on the scale of an electrochemistry experiment, leading to thin layer electrochemical behavior that enhances secondary peaks from chemical reactions. Similar thin layer cell behavior is observed at cavity carbon nanopipette electrodes. Nanotip electrodes facilitate implantation closer to the synapse with reduced tissue damage. Carbon electrode arrays are used to measure from multiple neurotransmitter release sites simultaneously. Custom-shaped carbon electrodes are enabling new applications in neuroscience, such as distinguishing different catecholamines by secondary peaks, detection of vesicular release in single cells, and multi-region measurements in vivo.

Fiber-based lactate recordings with fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensors by applying an magnetic resonance-informed correction of hemodynamic artifacts

Significance: Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensors offer enormous benefits when studying neurophysiology through confocal microscopy. Yet, their use for fiber-based in vivo recordings is hampered by massive confounding effects and has therefore been scarcely reported. Aim: We aim to investigate whether in vivo fiber-based lactate recordings in the rodent brain are feasible with FRET sensors and implement a correction algorithm for the predominant hemodynamic artifact. Approach: We performed fiber-based FRET recordings of lactate (Laconic) and calcium (Twitch-2B) simultaneously with functional MRI and pharmacological MRI. MR-derived parameters were applied to correct hemodynamic artifacts. Results of FRET measurements were validated by local field potential, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and blood analysis. Results: Hemodynamic artifacts dominated fiber-based in vivo FRET measurements with both Laconic and Twitch-2B. Our MR-based correction algorithm enabled to remove the artifacts and detect lactate and calcium changes during sensory stimulation or intravenous lactate injections. Conclusions: In vivo fiber-based lactate recordings are feasible using FRET-based sensors. However, signal corrections are required. MR-derived hemodynamic parameters can successfully be applied for artifact correction.

Letting the little light of mind shine: Advances and future directions in neurochemical detection

Synaptic transmission via neurochemical release is the fundamental process that integrates and relays encoded information in the brain to regulate physiological function, cognition, and emotion. To unravel the biochemical, biophysical, and computational mechanisms of signal processing, one needs to precisely measure the neurochemical release dynamics with molecular and cell-type specificity and high resolution. Here we reviewed the development of analytical, electrochemical, and fluorescence imaging approaches to detect neurotransmitter and neuromodulator release. We discussed the advantages and practicality in implementation of each technology for ease-of-use, flexibility for multimodal studies, and challenges for future optimization. We hope this review will provide a versatile guide for tool engineering and applications for recording neurochemical release.

Dual-Channel Electrochemical Measurements Reveal Rapid Adenosine is Localized in Brain Slices

Rapid adenosine signaling has been detected spontaneously or after mechanical stimulation in the brain, providing rapid neuromodulation in a local area. To measure rapid adenosine signaling, a single carbon-fiber microelectrode has traditionally been used, which limits spatial resolution and an understanding of regional coordination. In this study, we utilized dual-channel fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to measure the spontaneous or mechanically stimulated adenosine release at two electrodes placed at different spacings in hippocampal CA1 mouse brain slices. For mechanically stimulated adenosine release, adenosine can be detected up to 150 μm away from where it was stimulated, although the signal is smaller and delayed. While spontaneous adenosine transients were detected at both electrodes, only 10 percent of the events were detected concurrently, and that number was similar at 50 and 200 μm electrode spacings. Thus, most adenosine transients were not caused by the widespread coordination of release. There was no evidence of diffusion of spontaneous transients to a second electrode 50-200 μm away. This study shows that spontaneous adenosine events are very localized and thus provide only local neuromodulation. Injury, such as mechanical stimulation, allows adenosine to diffuse farther, but the neuroprotective effects are still regional. These results provide a better understanding of the spatial and temporal profiles of adenosine available to act at receptors, which is crucial for future studies that design neuroprotective treatments based on rapid adenosine signaling.

Review-Recent Advances in FSCV Detection of Neurochemicals via Waveform and Carbon Microelectrode Modification

Fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is an analytical technique that was first developed over 30 years ago. Since then, it has been extensively used to detect dopamine using carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs). More recently, electrode modifications and waveform refinement have enabled the detection of a wider variety of neurochemicals including nucleosides such as adenosine and guanosine, neurotransmitter metabolites of dopamine, and neuropeptides such as enkephalin. These alterations have facilitated the selectivity of certain biomolecules over others to enhance the measurement of the analyte of interest while excluding interferants. In this review, we detail these modifications and how specializing CFME sensors allows neuro-analytical researchers to develop tools to understand the neurochemistry of the brain in disease states and provide groundwork for translational work in clinical settings.

Recent Advances in In Vivo Neurochemical Monitoring

The brain is a complex network that accounts for only 5% of human mass but consumes 20% of our energy. Uncovering the mysteries of the brain's functions in motion, memory, learning, behavior, and mental health remains a hot but challenging topic. Neurochemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, gliotransmitters, hormones, and metabolism substrates and products, play vital roles in mediating and modulating normal brain function, and their abnormal release or imbalanced concentrations can cause various diseases, such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. A wide range of techniques have been used to probe the concentrations of neurochemicals under normal, stimulated, diseased, and drug-induced conditions in order to understand the neurochemistry of drug mechanisms and develop diagnostic tools or therapies. Recent advancements in detection methods, device fabrication, and new materials have resulted in the development of neurochemical sensors with improved performance. However, direct in vivo measurements require a robust sensor that is highly sensitive and selective with minimal fouling and reduced inflammatory foreign body responses. Here, we review recent advances in neurochemical sensor development for in vivo studies, with a focus on electrochemical and optical probes. Other alternative methods are also compared. We discuss in detail the in vivo challenges for these methods and provide an outlook for future directions.