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Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Biosensors for the Detection of Small Molecules and Plasma Proteins
The ability to detect the presence of certain molecular analytes inside the human body is vital to the ability of a medical professional to assess a patient’s health. The use of sensitive and selective biosensors would be a tremendous asset to the field of medical screening and diagnosis. The fabrication of aptamer-based electrochemical biosensors as an emerging technology has made the detection of both small and macromolecular analytes easier, faster, and more suited for the ongoing transition from fundamental analytical science to the early detection of diseases. Aptamers are synthetic oligonucleotides that have un...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - April 12, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news

Label-Free Affinity Biosensors Based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
There is an increasing interest in Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) as the transducing method for label-free biosensors. This technique allows the direct detection of the affinity complex formation through the variation of the capacitance or that of the charge transfer resistance at the biofunctionalized electrode/biological liquid interface. This chapter will present the physical principles of EIS, the different designs of the micro/nanoelectrodes, the new ways for the elaboration of the recognition biofilm, the performances of detection of the different biotargets, and the perspectives for the in situ detecti...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - April 12, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news

Carbon Nanotubes-Based Microelectrode (Bio)sensors
The last developments of sensors and biosensors involving microelectrodes modified with carbon nanotubes to detect species with biochemical or biological relevance are reviewed in this chapter. Apart from the different electrode configurations employed, special consideration is given to monitoring of neurotransmitters and the nitric oxide radical. The use of implantable microsensors for glucose detection in cells or tissues, the direct electrochemistry of proteins and some few examples of immunosensors and DNA sensors making use of this kind of modified microelectrodes are also treated. Finally we consider the future persp...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - April 12, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news

Regulation of Extracellular Concentrations of d-Serine in the Central Nervous System Revealed by d-Amino Acid Oxidase Microelectrode Biosensors
d-serine is an endogenous co-agonist of N-methyl d-aspartate receptors, and has been implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. Correspondingly, d-serine signaling may represent an important pharmacological target for treating these diseases. However, the biochemical mechanisms that control extracellular concentrations of d-serine in vivo remain unclear. Therefore, we have developed biosensors to monitor d-serine levels in vivo. These biosensors are cylindrical platinum microelectrodes that have been coated with a layer of poly-m-phenylenediamine and then a membrane of immobilized d-amino acid oxidase (D...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - April 12, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news

Sub-Second Measurements of Glutamate and Other Neurotransmitter Signaling Using Enzyme-Based Ceramic Microelectrode Arrays
We have set out to develop a novel, implantable microelectrode array that has the capabilities to detect neurotransmitters with enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and temporal sampling capabilities compared to other current technologies. We have shown that this device maintains recording performance during chronic measurements of extracellular neurotransmitter levels for at least 7 days postimplantation, single-unit neuronal activity for as long as 6 months, and provides enhanced biocompatibility compared to current technologies. As we continue to refine and improve our recording capability, we are able to incorporate the ...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - April 12, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news

Monitoring Extracellular Glutamate in the Brain by Microdialysis and Microsensors
Recording basal levels of extracellular glutamate by microdialysis in the brain of freely moving animals is of limited value as the result does not fulfill the criteria of synaptic origin (TTX or calcium dependency). In this chapter we discuss whether the recently developed microsensor technique provides an alternative for sampling glutamate by microdialysis. Although glutamate microsensors show advantages in dimensional and temporal resolution, the properties of the detected glutamate do not differ basically from glutamate in microdialysate. The results suggest that glutamate detected by both microdialysis and microsensor...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - April 12, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news

Forebrain Cholinergic Systems and Cognition: New Insights Based on Rapid Detection of Choline Spikes Using Enzyme-Based Biosensors
Changes in acetylcholine (ACh) release in the forebrain represent a critical step in the activation of larger neuronal circuits mediating cognitive functions. Therefore, the development of methods which allow the assessment of ACh release at a high temporal and spatial resolution is of immense significance for behavioral and cognitive neuroscience research. In this chapter, we review evidence from in vivo studies utilizing choline-sensitive microelectrodes for the detection of rapid changes in extracellular choline levels as a spatially discrete and sensitive measure of cortical cholinergic transmission. We then summarize ...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - April 12, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news

Glucose and Lactate Monitoring Across the Rat Sleep–Wake Cycle
Glucose biosensors were prepared by immobilizing glucose oxidase on carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) either by cross-linking glutaraldehyde vapors or via enzyme entrapment in films of m-phenylenediamine or resorcinol. The enzymatic layer was then covered with a membrane made of Nafion or cellulose acetate. The biosensors were tested using differential normal pulse voltammetry (DNPV) to detect signals. The calibration curves for glucose were linear from 0.3 to 6.5 mM. The DNPV response was essentially insensitive to potentially interfering molecules. Glucose concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) corresp...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - April 12, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news

Measurement of Purine Release with Microelectrode Biosensors
The purines, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine, are now recognized as extracellular signaling agents in both the brain and peripheral organs. The mechanisms of purinergic signaling can differ from those of conventional neurotransmission especially in the variety of release mechanisms and routes of production of extracellular ATP and adenosine. Direct real time measurements of these purinergic agents have therefore been of great value in elucidating the functional roles of ATP and adenosine in several diverse contexts. This review introduces the concept of microelectrode biosensors for ATP and adenosine and explain...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - April 12, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news

Characterization of Polymer–Enzyme Composite Biosensors for Brain Monitoring In Vivo
The application of biosensors for near real-time monitoring of key energy and signaling molecules in the intact brain poses major challenges at a number of levels. In this context, amperometric biosensor functionality is impacted by a variety of physicochemical and biological phenomena, including enzyme substrate and co-substrate sensitivity, interference from endogenous electroactive species, fabrication and response consequences of miniaturization for tissue implantation, and biocompatibility issues. Polymer–enzyme composite (PEC) implantable microbiosensors, incorporating a poly-o-phenylenediamine (PoPD) ultrathin...
Source: Springer protocols feed by Neuroscience - April 12, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: news