Aptamer functionalized cell membrane for brain and nerve cell sensing with high sensitivity and stability

Accurate dopamine (DA) monitoring with high stability is essential for investigating the chemical basis of brain function and pathology. Electrochemical-based tissue-implantable carbon fiber electrodes (CFEs) show great potential in sensing the dynamics of neurochemicals at a sub-second timescale. However, their anti-fouling property, selectivity, and stability pose challenges. Here, we presented a novel strategy to enhance electrode biocompatibility and stability by modifying CFE with a chitosan (CS) film, brain cell membrane (M), and aptamer cholesterol amphiphiles (DNA-cho). We found that CFE was uniformly covered by a cicada-like membrane after being modified. Electrochemical characterizations indicated that DNA-cho-M-CS-CFE exhibited a wide linear range of DA concentration and showed high sensitivity, specificity, and stability. The electrode also presented excellent fouling resistance and biocompatibility. Moreover, the biosensor was used to detect DA in K+-induced brain slices and PC12 cells with a satisfactory stability and sensitivity and to prove that LPS treatment leads to the delayed and decreased release of DA. DNA-cho-M-CS-CFE showed excellent electrochemical performance and unique advantages for long-term in vivo sensing of living cells, thus providing a new feasible scheme for studying neurochemical kinetics and brain diseases.

Automated summary

This study presents a modified carbon fiber electrode for enhanced biocompatibility and stability. The modified electrode exhibits a wide linear range, high sensitivity, specificity, and stability. It also shows excellent fouling resistance and biocompatibility. Additionally, the biosensor is capable of detecting dopamine in brain slices and cells and studying neurochemical kinetics and brain diseases.