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Dynamic SERS nanosensor for neurotransmitter sensing near neurons
Félix Lussier1, Thibault Brulé, Marie-Josée Bourque
1Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, Qc, CanadaH3C 3J7. jf.masson@umontreal.ca.
Faraday Discussions
|September 13, 2017
Summary
Dynamic Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (D-SERS) nanosensors detect multiple neurotransmitters near neurons. This breakthrough enables broader study of brain chemistry and cell function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- Current electrophysiology and electrochemistry methods detect limited neurotransmitters like glutamate, GABA, and dopamine.
- A broader range of neurotransmitters are crucial for understanding brain chemistry and neuronal function.
- New techniques are needed to detect a wider array of neurotransmitters in real-time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the capability of Dynamic Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (D-SERS) for detecting multiple neurotransmitters simultaneously near neurons.
- To establish D-SERS as a viable tool for studying neurotransmitter dynamics in biological systems.
- To validate the application of D-SERS in observing neurotransmitter secretion events in response to neuronal activity.
Main Methods:
- Development of D-SERS nanosensors using patch-clamp-like nanopipettes with gold nanoraspberries.
- Accurate localization of nanosensors near cultured mouse dopaminergic neurons using microscopy.
- Identification of neurotransmitter spectra via barcoding data processing and time-series analysis.
- Stimulation of neurons using K+ depolarizations to induce neurotransmitter release.
Main Results:
- D-SERS successfully detected multiple neurotransmitters including Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), glutamate (glu), acetylcholine (ACh), GABA, and dopamine (DA) in a single experiment.
- Time-series analysis revealed elevated levels of ATP and dopamine upon K+ depolarization of neurons.
- Control experiments near glial cells showed minimal neurotransmitter detection, confirming specificity.
- The technique demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for detecting neurotransmitter secretion events.
Conclusions:
- D-SERS offers a powerful new method for detecting a broad spectrum of neurotransmitters in proximity to living neurons.
- This technology significantly expands the toolkit for neuroscience research, enabling deeper insights into neuronal communication.
- D-SERS serves as a strong proof-of-concept for broader applications in studying cellular secretion events in both normal and pathological conditions.
