A SERS Composite Hydrogel Device for Point-of-Care Analysis of Neurotransmitter in Whole Blood

Point-of-care analysis of neurotransmitters in body fluids plays a significant role in healthcare improvement. Conventional approaches are limited by time-consuming procedures and usually require laboratory instruments for sample preparation. Herein, we developed a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) composite hydrogel device for the rapid analysis of neurotransmitters in whole blood samples. The PEGDA/SA composite hydrogel enabled fast separation of small molecules from the complex blood matrix, while the plasmonic SERS substrate allowed for the sensitive detection of target molecules. 3D printing was employed to integrate the hydrogel membrane and the SERS substrate into a systematic device. The sensor achieved highly sensitive detection of dopamine in whole blood samples with a limit of detection down to 1 nM. The whole detection process from sample preparation to SERS readout can be finished within 5 min. Due to the simple operation and rapid response, the device shows great potential in point-of-care diagnosis and the monitoring of neurological and cardiovascular diseases and disorders.

Automated summary

Rapid analysis of neurotransmitters in body fluids is crucial for healthcare improvement. We developed a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) composite hydrogel device for the fast analysis of neurotransmitters in whole blood samples. The device combines a PEGDA/SA composite hydrogel for fast separation of small molecules and a plasmonic SERS substrate for sensitive detection of target molecules. With 3D printing, the hydrogel membrane and SERS substrate are integrated into a systematic device. The sensor achieves highly sensitive detection of dopamine in whole blood samples with a limit of detection down to 1 nM, and the entire detection process can be completed within 5 minutes. Due to its simplicity and rapid response, the device has great potential in point-of-care diagnosis and monitoring of neurological and cardiovascular diseases and disorders.