Biological applications of the electrochemical sensing of nitric oxide: fundamentals and recent developments

Nitric oxide (NO) is a unique cellular messenger linked to a number of important biological processes. Its free radical nature, small size and fast diffusivity make it highly reactive and membrane permeable. Unfortunately, its reactivity, coupled with the inherent complexity of in situ biological measurements, makes it a challenge to detect. For the past 20 years, electrochemical methods have been used to investigate the role of NO in a number of biological processes, including vascular physiology, immune response, neuronal mediation, tissue growth and oxidative stress. This review examines the biological applications of electrochemical NO sensors and the technologies used to elucidate different physiological phenomena associated with this unique biomolecule with a specific focus on the developments and innovations reported in the last 3 years.