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Stuber A, Nakatsuka N. Aptamer Renaissance for Neurochemical Biosensing. ACS NANO 2024; 18:2552-2563. [PMID: 38236046 PMCID: PMC10832038 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Unraveling the complexities of brain function, which is crucial for advancing human health, remains a grand challenge. This endeavor demands precise monitoring of small molecules such as neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain. In this Perspective, we explore the potential of aptamers, selective synthetic bioreceptors integrated into electronic affinity platforms to address limitations in neurochemical biosensing. We emphasize the importance of characterizing aptamer thermodynamics and target binding to realize functional biosensors in biological systems. We focus on two label-free affinity platforms spanning the micro- to nanoscale: field-effect transistors and nanopores. Integration of well-characterized structure-switching aptamers overcame nonspecific binding, a challenge that has hindered the translation of biosensors from the lab to the clinic. In a transformative era driven by neuroscience breakthroughs, technological innovations, and multidisciplinary collaborations, an aptamer renaissance holds the potential to bridge technological gaps and reshape the landscape of diagnostics and neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annina Stuber
- Laboratory for Biosensors
and Bioelectronics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nako Nakatsuka
- Laboratory for Biosensors
and Bioelectronics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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2
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Teixidor J, Novello S, Ortiz D, Menin L, Lashuel HA, Bertsch A, Renaud P. On-Demand Nanoliter Sampling Probe for the Collection of Brain Fluid. Anal Chem 2022; 94:10415-10426. [PMID: 35786947 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Continuous fluidic sampling systems allow collection of brain biomarkers in vivo. Here, we propose a new sequential and intermittent sampling paradigm using droplets, called Droplet on Demand (DoD). It is implemented in a microfabricated neural probe and alternates phases of analyte removal from the tissue and phases of equilibration of the concentration in the tissue. It allows sampling droplets loaded with molecules from the brain extracellular fluid punctually, without the long transient equilibration periods typical of continuous methods. It uses an accurately defined fluidic sequence with controlled timings, volumes, and flow rates, and correct operation is verified by the embedded electrodes and a flow sensor. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the application of this novel approach in vitro and in vivo, to collect glucose in the brain of mice, with a temporal resolution of 1-2 min and without transient regime. Absolute quantification of the glucose level in the samples was performed by direct infusion nanoelectrospray ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry (nanoESI-FTMS). By adjusting the diffusion time and the perfusion volume of DoD, the fraction of molecules recovered in the samples can be tuned to mirror the tissue concentration at accurate points in time. Moreover, this makes quantification of biomarkers in the brain possible within acute experiments of only 20-120 min. DoD provides a complementary tool to continuous microdialysis and push-pull sampling probes. Thus, the advances allowed by DoD will benefit quantitative molecular studies in the brain, i.e., for molecules involved in volume transmission or for protein aggregates that form in neurodegenerative diseases over long periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Teixidor
- Microsystems Laboratory 4 (STI-IEM-LMIS4), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Salvatore Novello
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration (SV-BMI-LMNN), EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Ortiz
- Mass Spectrometry and Elemental Analysis Platform (SB-ISIC-MSEAP), EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laure Menin
- Mass Spectrometry and Elemental Analysis Platform (SB-ISIC-MSEAP), EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration (SV-BMI-LMNN), EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud Bertsch
- Microsystems Laboratory 4 (STI-IEM-LMIS4), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Renaud
- Microsystems Laboratory 4 (STI-IEM-LMIS4), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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3
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Tjahjono N, Jin Y, Hsu A, Roukes M, Tian L. Letting the little light of mind shine: Advances and future directions in neurochemical detection. Neurosci Res 2022; 179:65-78. [PMID: 34861294 PMCID: PMC9508992 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2021.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic transmission via neurochemical release is the fundamental process that integrates and relays encoded information in the brain to regulate physiological function, cognition, and emotion. To unravel the biochemical, biophysical, and computational mechanisms of signal processing, one needs to precisely measure the neurochemical release dynamics with molecular and cell-type specificity and high resolution. Here we reviewed the development of analytical, electrochemical, and fluorescence imaging approaches to detect neurotransmitter and neuromodulator release. We discussed the advantages and practicality in implementation of each technology for ease-of-use, flexibility for multimodal studies, and challenges for future optimization. We hope this review will provide a versatile guide for tool engineering and applications for recording neurochemical release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki Tjahjono
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Yihan Jin
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95618, USA
| | - Alice Hsu
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Michael Roukes
- Department of Physics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Wu G, Heck I, Zhang N, Phaup G, Zhang X, Wu Y, Stalla DE, Weng Z, Sun H, Li H, Zhang Z, Ding S, Li DP, Zhang Y. Wireless, battery-free push-pull microsystem for membrane-free neurochemical sampling in freely moving animals. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn2277. [PMID: 35196090 PMCID: PMC8865804 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn2277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Extensive studies in both animals and humans have demonstrated that high molecular weight neurochemicals, such as neuropeptides and other polypeptide neurochemicals, play critical roles in various neurological disorders. Despite many attempts, existing methods are constrained by detecting neuropeptide release in small animal models during behavior tasks, which leaves the molecular mechanisms underlying many neurological and psychological disorders unresolved. Here, we report a wireless, programmable push-pull microsystem for membrane-free neurochemical sampling with cellular spatial resolution in freely moving animals. In vitro studies demonstrate the sampling of various neurochemicals with high recovery (>80%). Open-field tests reveal that the device implantation does not affect the natural behavior of mice. The probe successfully captures the pharmacologically evoked release of neuropeptide Y in freely moving mice. This wireless push-pull microsystem creates opportunities for neuroscientists to understand where, when, and how the release of neuropeptides modulates diverse behavioral outputs of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangfu Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Ian Heck
- Department of Biomedical, Biological, and Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Nannan Zhang
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Glenn Phaup
- Center for Precision Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Xincheng Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Yixin Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - David E. Stalla
- Electron Microscopy Core, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Zhengyan Weng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - He Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Huijie Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Biomedical, Biological, and Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Shinghua Ding
- Department of Biomedical, Biological, and Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - De-Pei Li
- Center for Precision Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Park Y, Chung TS, Lee G, Rogers JA. Materials Chemistry of Neural Interface Technologies and Recent Advances in Three-Dimensional Systems. Chem Rev 2021; 122:5277-5316. [PMID: 34739219 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Advances in materials chemistry and engineering serve as the basis for multifunctional neural interfaces that span length scales from individual neurons to neural networks, neural tissues, and complete neural systems. Such technologies exploit electrical, electrochemical, optical, and/or pharmacological modalities in sensing and neuromodulation for fundamental studies in neuroscience research, with additional potential to serve as routes for monitoring and treating neurodegenerative diseases and for rehabilitating patients. This review summarizes the essential role of chemistry in this field of research, with an emphasis on recently published results and developing trends. The focus is on enabling materials in diverse device constructs, including their latest utilization in 3D bioelectronic frameworks formed by 3D printing, self-folding, and mechanically guided assembly. A concluding section highlights key challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonseok Park
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Ted S Chung
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Geumbee Lee
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - John A Rogers
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.,Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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Breaking the barrier: In vitro models to study choroid plexus development. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 73:41-49. [PMID: 34182208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The choroid plexus is central to normal brain function by secreting cerebrospinal fluid and dynamically regulating its composition throughout development and homoeostasis. Much of our current understanding of this region of the brain comes from studies in animal models. These fundamental studies have shed light on choroid plexus mechanisms of secretion, barrier function and homoeostatic regulation. However, how these specific mechanisms are regulated in the human choroid plexus is much less understood, due to ethical and technical limitations. A number of recent breakthroughs have enabled a new range of techniques and tools for functional characterisation of choroid plexus development and physiology. With the advance of new technologies such as in vivo imaging, single-cell transcriptomics and in vitro three-dimensional cultures we are now able to address a number of outstanding questions in choroid plexus biology. Here, we discuss some of these recent breakthroughs and we focus in particular on how in vitro models can be a powerful tool to study human cerebrospinal fluid secretion and barrier function.
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