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Microscale Sensor Arrays for the Detection of Dopamine Using PEDOT:PSS Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Chunling Li1, Yingying He1, Sven Ingebrandt1
1Institute of Materials in Electrical Engineering 1, RWTH Aachen University, Sommerfeldstr. 24, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 29, 2024
Summary
We developed sensitive organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) using PEDOT:PSS for dopamine detection. Film thickness optimization and chitosan modification improved sensitivity and selectivity, achieving a 1 nM limit of detection.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) offer potential for biosensing applications.
- Detecting neurotransmitters like dopamine (DA) is crucial for neurological studies.
- Existing sensors often face challenges with sensitivity, selectivity, and detection range.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and optimize PEDOT:PSS-based OECTs for sensitive and selective dopamine detection.
- To investigate the impact of PEDOT:PSS film thickness on sensor performance.
- To enhance selectivity and expand the detection range using surface modification.
Main Methods:
- Wafer-scale fabrication of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) OECTs.
- A dilution method was used to control PEDOT:PSS film thickness.
- Platinum (Pt) pseudo-reference gate electrodes were modified with chitosan.
Main Results:
- Optimized PEDOT:PSS film thickness significantly enhanced dopamine sensitivity.
- The OECTs achieved a low limit of detection (LoD) of 1 nM for dopamine.
- High selectivity was demonstrated against interfering molecules such as uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA).
- Chitosan surface modification improved selectivity at higher dopamine concentrations (up to 100 µM).
Conclusions:
- PEDOT:PSS OECTs are highly sensitive and selective dopamine sensors.
- Film thickness and surface modification are critical parameters for optimizing OECT performance.
- The developed sensor platform shows promise for reliable dopamine monitoring in complex biological environments.
