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Pattern recognition of neurotransmitters using multimode sensing
Raluca-Ioana Stefan-van Staden1, Iuliana Moldoveanu1, Jacobus Frederick van Staden2
1Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB Bucharest, National Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter, Splaiul Independentei No. 202, Bucharest, Romania; Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Material Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.
A new multimode sensing method reliably detects dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine in biological fluids. This technique offers high sensitivity and selectivity, outperforming traditional chromatographic methods for neurotransmitter analysis.
Area of Science:
- Electroanalytical Chemistry
- Biosensing Technology
Background:
- Accurate neurotransmitter analysis in biological fluids is crucial for chemical analysis.
- Existing methods for neurotransmitter detection often lack the required sensitivity and reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel multimode sensing method for the pattern recognition and quantification of key neurotransmitters.
- To enhance the sensitivity and reliability of neurotransmitter analysis in biological samples.
Main Methods:
- Development of microsensors using diamond paste modified with porphyrins (hemin, protoporphyrin IX).
- Application of stochastic and differential pulse voltammetry for multimode sensing.
- Optimization of working conditions using cyclic voltammetry, including phosphate buffer (pH 3.01) and KCl electrolyte.
Main Results:
- Achieved low limits of quantification: 10⁻¹⁰ mol/L for dopamine and epinephrine, 10⁻¹¹ mol/L for norepinephrine.
- Demonstrated high selectivity against interfering substances like ascorbic and uric acids.
- Exhibited excellent reliability (RSD < 1% over 6 months) for simultaneous neurotransmitter determination in urine and whole blood.
Conclusions:
- The proposed method enables sensitive pattern recognition of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine in biological fluids.
- Offers a simpler sample preparation protocol compared to laborious chromatographic methods.
- Microsensors based on diamond paste modified with protoporphyrin IX showed optimal performance.
