Enzymatic Platforms for Sensitive Neurotransmitter Detection

A convenient electrochemical sensing pathway was investigated for neurotransmitter detection based on newly synthesized silole derivatives and laccase/horseradish-peroxidase-modified platinum (Pt)/gold (Au) electrodes. The miniature neurotransmitter’s biosensors were designed and constructed via the immobilization of laccase in an electroactive layer of the Pt electrode coated with poly(2,6-bis(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-4-methyl-4-octyl-dithienosilole) and laccase for serotonin (5-HT) detection, and a Au electrode modified with the electroconducting polymer poly(2,6-bis(selenophen-2-yl)-4-methyl-4-octyl-dithienosilole), along with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), for dopamine (DA) monitoring. These sensing arrangements utilized the catalytic oxidation of neurotransmitters to reactive quinone derivatives (the oxidation process was provided in the enzymes’ presence). Under the optimized conditions, the analytical performance demonstrated a convenient degree of sensitivity: 0.0369 and 0.0256 μA mM−1 cm−2, selectivity in a broad linear range (0.1–200) × 10−6 M) with detection limits of ≈48 and ≈73 nM (for the serotonin and dopamine biosensors, respectively). Moreover, the method was successfully applied for neurotransmitter determination in the presence of interfering compounds (ascorbic acid, L-cysteine, and uric acid).