Impedance-based dopamine detection neural probe utilizing dopamine antibody: Real-time quantification of dopamine

Abstract

Dopamine (DA) is a key neurotransmitter involved in affective states, cognition, and motor control, and its dysregulation is associated with various neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. Accurate and real-time detection of dopamine is essential for understanding its role in neurological function and dysfunction. However, conventional DA detection methods such as fluorescence imaging and electrochemical techniques like fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) often face challenges in practical applications due to limited temporal resolution, interference from background signals, and the requirement for external electrical stimulation, which can disturb physiological conditions. In this study, we present a flexible neural probe functionalized with dopamine antibodies for impedance-based sensing. This approach enables label-free, real-time monitoring of dopamine concentration changes in both in vitro and in vivo environments, without the need for enzymatic reactions or applied voltage cycles. The proposed platform demonstrates high sensitivity, selectivity, and biocompatibility, offering a promising alternative for neurochemical monitoring and advancing our understanding of dopamine related processes in both research and clinical applications.