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Synthetic nanosensors for imaging neuromodulators
Jackson Travis Del Bonis-O'Donnell1, Jaewan Mun1, Kristen Delevich2
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|August 21, 2021
Summary
New optical nanosensors enable high-resolution monitoring of neurotransmission, particularly dopamine signaling in the brain. These tools reveal spatial and temporal dynamics, advancing our understanding of neurological disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Neuromodulation is crucial for brain function; its disruption contributes to neurological and psychiatric disorders.
- Advanced optical tools are emerging to study neuromodulator signaling, such as dopamine, with high spatiotemporal resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of synthetic nanomaterial-based optical nanosensors for monitoring neurotransmission.
- To highlight the application of these nanosensors in elucidating dopamine release dynamics and spatial distribution.
Main Methods:
- Review of synthetic nanomaterial-based optical nanosensors.
- Analysis of their capabilities in imaging neurotransmitter release.
- Discussion of applications in brain tissue, focusing on dopamine.
Main Results:
- Synthetic nanosensors offer high spatial and temporal resolution for monitoring neurotransmission.
- These sensors can map neuromodulator release sites and track diffusion dynamics.
- Recent studies demonstrate their use in imaging endogenous dopamine release in brain tissue.
Conclusions:
- Optical nanosensors are powerful tools for understanding neuromodulation mechanisms.
- Further development is needed to optimize nanosensors for in vivo applications and translational research.
- These advancements hold promise for diagnosing and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.
