Selective and Sensocompatible Electrochemical Nitric Oxide Sensor with a Bilaminar Design

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Electrochemistry
• Immunology

Background:

• Macrophages release nitric oxide (NO), a key mediator of mammalian inflammation.
• Direct, continuous measurement of NO using electrochemical methods is crucial but challenging in biological media.
• Sustained sensor performance in proteinaceous environments is required for monitoring NO release over extended durations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust electrochemical sensor for the selective and continuous detection of nitric oxide (NO).
• To overcome analytical challenges in monitoring NO release from immunostimulated macrophages.
• To ensure consistent sensor performance in biological media for prolonged periods.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an electrochemical sensor using an electropolymerized 5-amino-1-naphthol (poly(5A1N)) film.
• Incorporation of a fluorinated xerogel topcoat to protect the sensor.
• Adaptation of the bilaminar sensor for measuring temporal NO-release profiles from immunostimulated macrophages.

Main Results:

• The developed sensor demonstrates selective NO detection maintained over extended periods (>24 h) in biological media.
• The fluorinated xerogel topcoat prevents hydration-induced desorption of the poly(5A1N) film, ensuring sensor stability.
• The sensor successfully measured temporal NO-release profiles from immunostimulated macrophages.

Conclusions:

• A novel bilaminar electrochemical sensor provides stable and selective detection of nitric oxide (NO).
• This sensor technology enables reliable, long-term monitoring of NO release from immune cells in biological settings.
• The sensor facilitates advanced studies on the role of NO in inflammatory processes.