Sensor for dopamine

Using nanotechnological methods, specialists from the University of Central Florida, led by Associate Professor Debashis Chanda, have developed the first fast detector of the dopamine neutrotransmitter.

Earlier studies have shown that excess dopamine may be associated with the development of certain types of cancer, while its low levels are associated with the development of Parkinson's disease and depression. In the United States alone, more than half a million people suffer from Parkinson's disease, and severe episodes of depression affect approximately 16 million adults per year.

Existing methods for determining the concentration of dopamine require complex and lengthy sample preparation, including the isolation of blood plasma, as well as specialized laboratory equipment. For the new technique, a few drops of blood applied to a rectangular chip the size of a palm are enough. At the same time, a few minutes are enough to get the result.

Plasma is separated from blood cells directly inside the chip, and cerium oxide nanoparticles covering its surface selectively bind the dopamine contained in it. The binding of dopamine changes the reflective properties of the sensor and creates an optical signal that allows you to determine the concentration of the compound.

According to the developers, the key success factor in the creation of the sensor was the use of cerium oxide nanoparticles. They note that the reduction of sample preparation stages and the possibility of conducting analysis "at the patient's bedside" makes the new method not only extremely convenient, but also much more cost-effective compared to traditional laboratory approaches.

Article by Abraham Vazquez-Guardado et al. Enzyme-Free Plasmonic Biosensor for Direct Detection of Neurotransmitter Dopamine from Whole Blood is published in the journal Nano Letters.

Evgenia Ryabtseva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru Based on University of Central Florida: UCF Researchers Developing Sensor to Detect Brain Disorders in Seconds.