Temporal differentiation of pH-dependent capacitive current from dopamine

Maximizing Electrochemical Information: A Perspective on Background-Inclusive Fast Voltammetry

This perspective encompasses a focused review of the literature leading to a tipping point in electroanalytical chemistry. We tie together the threads of a "revolution" quietly in the making for years through the work of many authors. Long-held misconceptions about the use of background subtraction in fast voltammetry are addressed. We lay out future advantages that accompany background-inclusive voltammetry, particularly when paired with modern machine-learning algorithms for data analysis.

Simultaneous serotonin and dopamine monitoring across timescales by rapid pulse voltammetry with partial least squares regression

Many voltammetry methods have been developed to monitor brain extracellular dopamine levels. Fewer approaches have been successful in detecting serotonin in vivo. No voltammetric techniques are currently available to monitor both neurotransmitters simultaneously across timescales, even though they play integrated roles in modulating behavior. We provide proof-of-concept for rapid pulse voltammetry coupled with partial least squares regression (RPV-PLSR), an approach adapted from multi-electrode systems (i.e., electronic tongues) used to identify multiple components in complex environments. We exploited small differences in analyte redox profiles to select pulse steps for RPV waveforms. Using an intentionally designed pulse strategy combined with custom instrumentation and analysis software, we monitored basal and stimulated levels of dopamine and serotonin. In addition to faradaic currents, capacitive currents were important factors in analyte identification arguing against background subtraction. Compared to fast-scan cyclic voltammetry-principal components regression (FSCV-PCR), RPV-PLSR better differentiated and quantified basal and stimulated dopamine and serotonin associated with striatal recording electrode position, optical stimulation frequency, and serotonin reuptake inhibition. The RPV-PLSR approach can be generalized to other electrochemically active neurotransmitters and provides a feedback pipeline for future optimization of multi-analyte, fit-for-purpose waveforms and machine learning approaches to data analysis.

Removal of Differential Capacitive Interferences in Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry

Due to its high spatiotemporal resolution, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) at carbon-fiber microelectrodes enables the localized in vivo monitoring of subsecond fluctuations in electroactive neurotransmitter concentrations. In practice, resolution of the analytical signal relies on digital background subtraction for removal of the large current due to charging of the electrical double layer as well as surface faradaic reactions. However, fluctuations in this background current often occur with changes in the electrode state or ionic environment, leading to nonspecific contributions to the FSCV data that confound data analysis. Here, we both explore the origin of such shifts seen with local changes in cations and develop a model to account for their shape. Further, we describe a convolution-based method for removal of the differential capacitive contributions to the FSCV current. The method relies on the use of a small-amplitude pulse made prior to the FSCV sweep that probes the impedance of the system. To predict the nonfaradaic current response to the voltammetric sweep, the step current response is differentiated to provide an estimate of the system's impulse response function and is used to convolute the applied waveform. The generated prediction is then subtracted from the observed current to the voltammetric sweep, removing artifacts associated with electrode impedance changes. The technique is demonstrated to remove select contributions from capacitive characteristics changes of the electrode both in vitro (i.e., in flow-injection analysis) and in vivo (i.e., during a spreading depression event in an anesthetized rat).

Enhanced dopamine detection sensitivity by PEDOT/graphene oxide coating on in vivo carbon fiber electrodes

Dopamine (DA) is a monoamine neurotransmitter responsible for regulating a variety of vital life functions. In vivo detection of DA poses a challenge due to the low concentration and high speed of physiological signaling. Fast scan cyclic voltammetry at carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFEs) is an effective method to monitor real-time in vivo DA signaling, however the sensitivity is somewhat limited. Electrodeposition of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT)/graphene oxide (GO) onto the CFE surface is shown to increase the sensitivity and lower the limit of detection for DA compared to bare CFEs. Thicker PEDOT/GO coatings demonstrate higher sensitivities for DA, but display the negative drawback of slow adsorption and electron transfer kinetics. The moderate thickness resulting from 25 s electrodeposition of PEDOT/GO produces the optimal electrode, exhibiting an 880% increase in sensitivity, a 50% decrease in limit of detection and minimally altered electrode kinetics. PEDOT/GO coated electrodes rapidly and robustly detect DA, both in solution and in the rat dorsal striatum. This increase in DA sensitivity is likely due to increasing the electrode surface area with a PEDOT/GO coating and improved adsorption of DA's oxidation product (DA-o-quinone). Increasing DA sensitivity without compromising electrode kinetics is expected to significantly improve our understanding of the DA function in vivo.

Reward-Induced Phasic Dopamine Release in the Monkey Ventral Striatum and Putamen

In-vivo voltammetry has successfully been used to detect dopamine release in rodent brains, but its application to monkeys has been limited. We have previously detected dopamine release in the caudate of behaving Japanese monkeys using diamond microelectrodes (Yoshimi 2011); however it is not known whether the release pattern is the same in various areas of the forebrain. Recent studies have suggested variations in the dopaminergic projections to forebrain areas. In the present study, we attempted simultaneous recording at two locations in the striatum, using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) on carbon fibers, which has been widely used in rodents. Responses to unpredicted food and liquid rewards were detected repeatedly. The response to the liquid reward after conditioned stimuli was enhanced after switching the prediction cue. These characteristics were generally similar between the ventral striatum and the putamen. Overall, the technical application of FSCV recording in multiple locations was successful in behaving primates, and further voltammetric recordings in multiple locations will expand our knowledge of dopamine reward responses.