Graduate student Emily DeVoe from Clarkson University in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department will present on Implantable Biosensors for Real-Time Detection of Dopamine
Friday, April 25, 2025
3:30 PM
BH Snell Hall 214
Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter commonly studied for its correlation to detrimental neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. The ability to detect dopamine accurately and discretely at physiologically relevant concentrations present in the brain would allow for better understanding of these diseases, giving possibility of earlier detection and improved personalized treatment than ever before. Some common challenges with implantable biosensors are their lack of sensitivity, selectivity, and robustness due to their small size required to avoid unnecessary damage to the tissue and the surrounding areas.
Electrochemistry is a very attractive technique for in vivo studies due to its sensitive nature and biocompatibility. The goal of this research is to create a reproducible, robust, sensitive, and selective biosensor for the detection of neurotransmitters present in the brain with the ability to differentiate these neurotransmitters and their concentrations with help from AI pattern recognition. Functionalization of the electrodes includes a catalytic layer incorporating catalytic nanoparticles (NPs) immobilized onto the electrode surface with a biocompatible matrix.
Further studies are currently being conducted to improve the biosensor design for in vivo measurements by improving signal response and amplification through the rational design of the electrode material and pattern recognition.