Interfacing Aptamer-Modified Nanopipettes with Neuronal Media and Ex Vivo Brain Tissue

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biosensing
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Aptamer-functionalized biosensors offer high selectivity for neurotransmitter monitoring.
• Detecting neurotransmitters like dopamine in complex biological environments remains challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate nanoscale aptamer-modified nanopipette sensors for detecting endogenous dopamine release.
• To assess the sensors' performance in vitro and ex vivo in complex biological milieu.

Main Methods:

• Utilized quartz nanopipettes with nanoscale pores functionalized with dopamine-specific aptamers.
• Employed a fluidic platform for real-time sensor performance characterization.
• Conducted differential biosensing using control and specific sensors in biological samples.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful detection of dopamine in undiluted complex fluids, including neuronal cell culture media.
• Achieved in vivo implantation and repeated measurements in acute brain slices with protected sensing areas.
• Recorded endogenous dopamine release via electrical stimulation in brain slices, showing high spatial resolution and reduced tissue damage.

Conclusions:

• Aptamer-modified nanopipettes are functional for direct dopamine measurement in complex biological fluids.
• The sensor design minimizes interference and clogging, enabling reliable in vitro and ex vivo recordings.
• These nanopipette sensors hold significant potential for neuroscience research requiring high-resolution neurotransmitter detection.