Three-Dimensional-Printed Electrochemical Sensor for Simultaneous Dual Monitoring of Serotonin Overflow and Circular...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Serotonin (5-HT) is crucial for intestinal motility.
• Current methods lack simultaneous dual measurement of 5-HT overflow and muscle contraction.
• Anorectal function assessment is vital for diagnosing and managing bowel disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D-printed electrochemical sensor for simultaneous dual measurement of 5-HT overflow and anorectal contractility.
• To validate the sensor's sensitivity, stability, and accuracy for ex vivo measurements.
• To assess the sensor's ability to monitor pharmacological effects on anorectal function.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D-printed carbon black/polylactic acid (PLA) electrochemical sensor.
• Characterization of sensor performance for 5-HT detection (linear range, limit of detection) and anorectal contraction tracking.
• Ex vivo validation using an isometric force transducer and assessment of sensor response to fluoxetine.

Main Results:

• The sensor demonstrated a linear range of 1-10 μM for 5-HT with a 540 nM limit of detection.
• Sensor measurements of anorectal contractions correlated significantly with isometric force transducer data.
• The sensor successfully detected reduced contractility and increased 5-HT overflow upon fluoxetine administration.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed sensor enables simultaneous dual measurement of 5-HT overflow and anorectal contractility.
• This device offers significant potential for clinical assessment of anorectal function.
• It can guide therapeutic management for patients suffering from various bowel disorders.