Implantable Biosensor for Continuous Serotonin Detection in Freely Moving Crayfish

• Published in: 2023 22nd International Conference on Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems (Transducers) pp. 1860 - 1863
• Main Authors: Han, Jinjing, Ho, Tawen, Stine, Justin M., Straker, Michael A., Herberholz, Jens, Ghodssi, Reza
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEJ 25-06-2023
• Subjects: Biosensing; Electrochemical Device; Electrochemistry; Implantable Electrode; In vivo; In Vivo Sensing; Real-time systems; Sensitivity; Sensors; Solid modeling; Transducers; Wireless communication
• ISSN: 2167-0021

This work presents, for the first time, an implantable biosensor for continuous in vivo serotonin (5-HT) monitoring in freely moving crayfish. 5-HT is an important neurotransmitter that regulates animal behaviors. Conventional methods for detecting 5-HT do not provide real-time information. Our approach facilitates continuous electrochemical monitoring of 5-HT levels without impeding animal natural behavior. The sensing system shows a linear range of 0.4 - 1.2 μΜ with a sensitivity of 0.07 μΑ/μΜ for 5-HT detection. With a 3D-printed package, the sensor can be easily attached to crayfish dorsal carapace allowing electrodes implantation into crayfish heart to monitor neurohormonal dynamics of 5-HT. The implantable biosensor system displayed a significant increase in oxidation currents after 5-HT injections. The device successfully demonstrates the application for in vivo detection of 5-HT in the hemolymph (i.e., blood) of freely behaving crayfish underwater.