The gut–brain axis is the channel connecting the brain and the gut. The gut–brain axis connects many important systems in the human body, including the endocrine, immune, and nervous systems.There are quite a few neurotransmitters in the brain-gut axis, making the brain and gut function closely related, such asgut microbiomeComposition modulates serotonin concentrations, which in turn affect emotional responses.
In the past, the technology for monitoring neurotransmitters in the body was limited. For example, it was difficult to ensure that the probes functioned normally in the body. For the two constantly moving organs of the brain and the intestine, it was even more difficult to effectively monitor neurotransmitters. However, the Stanford University team’s latest research published in “Nature” proposes a new sensor NeuroString, which not only simulates the stretchability of biological tissues, but also can be used to instantly measure neurotransmitters in the brain and intestine. It also has great potential for other soft organs in the future.
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Existing sensors for monitoring neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are mediators of neuron communication and are very important in the human central nervous system (CNS). Common neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin are involved in the brain’s emotional, memory, and cognitive functions. Dysregulation of neurotransmitter concentrations has also been implicated in addiction and the causes of Parkinson’s disease. In addition to the central nervous system, neurons in the gastrointestinal tract distribute a large number of neurons and also contain high concentrations of neurotransmitters.
Monitoring neurotransmitters in the central nervous and intestinal systems is critical for understanding neural function, diagnosing disease, and developing therapeutic neuromodulation strategies. At present, the most common sensor is a carbon fiber electrode coated with silicon dioxide, but the material of this kind of device is hard and fragile, and equipment failure may cause an inflammatory reaction, and the brain and intestine are soft and constantly changing in shape. Facing more restrictions on the application.
Graphene NeuroString sensors have endless applications in soft tissue!
In order to overcome the instability and safety risks of existing sensors, the new electrochemical sensor NeuroString designed by the Stanford University research team is mainly made of graphene, which is not only compatible with biological tissues, but also has high detection sensitivity It can instantly monitor the state of neurotransmitters in the brain and gut. In mouse experiments, NeuroString can be placed in mice for up to 16 weeks, and the concentration of neurological substances (including dopamine and serotonin) is stably monitored.
In the future, the team will continue to improve the sensing sensitivity of NeuroString and improve its spatial resolution, and the monitoring of neuron function will be more accurate. In addition, the team will continue to verify the long-term safety of graphene materials in living organisms, and even more accurately distinguish different detection molecules, which have potential applications in related soft tissues and organs such as the brain and gastrointestinal tract.
References:
1. Nature, 2022; https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04615-2.
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