CHEMICAL MESSENGER SENSOR

摘要

A sensor for the detection of chemical messengers is described herein. In particular, a sensor for the detection of serotonin is reported. Serotonin plays a pivotal role as a neurotransmitter in the modulation of a myriad of physiological responses including anger, aggression, mood, sleep, sexuality, and appetite. An electrode for detecting serotonin comprising a conducting or semi-conducting substrate, and a polymer material on said substrate is disclosed. Said polymer comprises a conducting polymer doped with a cyclodextrin macrocycle. Suitable polymer materials include polypyrroles and polythiophenes, e.g. PEDOT. Suitable cyclodextrin macrocycles include anionic cyclodextrin macrocycles, for example sulfonated ß-cyclodextrins (CDs). Also disclosed is a sensor capable of selectively detecting serotonin in the presence of ascorbic acid, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine.