Mesoporous nanospheres functionalized optical microfiber biosensor for low concentration neurotransmitter detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Neurotransmitter detection is crucial for understanding neurological functions and diagnosing disorders.
• Existing methods for neurotransmitter detection often require labeling or lack sufficient sensitivity.
• There is a need for label-free, ultrasensitive biosensing platforms for neurotransmitters like serotonin (5-HT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel label-free and ultrasensitive microfiber interferometer biosensor.
• To detect the neurotransmitter molecule serotonin (5-HT).
• To investigate the use of silicon dioxide nanospheres with mesoporous structures for enhanced molecule capture.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a microfiber interferometer.
• Surface modification with silicon dioxide nanospheres featuring a mesoporous structure.
• Utilizing the interferometer's wavelength shift to measure changes in 5-HT concentration.
• Label-free detection principle.

Main Results:

• The biosensor demonstrated a linear response to serotonin (5-HT) over a concentration range of 100 fM to 1 µM.
• An ultrasensitive detection limit of as low as 84 fM was achieved.
• The mesoporous structure of silicon dioxide nanospheres effectively concentrated 5-HT molecules.
• The sensor translated minute concentration changes into significant wavelength shifts.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfiber interferometer biosensor is a highly sensitive and label-free platform for neurotransmitter detection.
• The unique surface morphology enhances molecule capture efficiency, leading to improved detection limits.
• This technology holds potential for advancements in neurological diagnostics and biochemical analysis.