Truncated Electrochemical Aptasensor with Enhanced Antifouling Capability for Highly Sensitive Serotonin Detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Accurate serotonin (ST) determination is crucial for understanding neurological processes and diagnosing brain diseases.
• Existing methods for ST detection often face challenges with sensitivity, selectivity, and interference.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical aptasensor for accurate serotonin detection.
• To utilize truncated DNA aptamers and a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-functionalized interface to enhance sensor performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an electrochemical aptasensor using truncated DNA aptamers on a PEG-functionalized interface.
• Employing square wave voltammetry (SWV) to measure changes in Faraday current upon ST binding.
• Utilizing PEG as a blocking agent to minimize nonspecific adsorption and improve antifouling properties.

Main Results:

• The aptasensor demonstrated a wide detection range from 0.1 nM to 1000 nM with a low limit of detection of 0.14 nM.
• Achieved high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability due to the aptamer's structure and PEG's antifouling capabilities.
• Successfully detected ST in complex biological matrices like human serum and artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) with excellent performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed electrochemical aptasensor offers a novel and effective approach for sensitive and selective serotonin detection.
• The strategy of using antifouling PEG functionalization presents a promising method for creating advanced aptasensors.
• This technology holds significant potential for neurochemical research and clinical diagnostic applications.