BIOSENSORS

BIOSENSORS enable the monitoring of real-time changes in CNS neurochemical concentrations. When used in conjunction with Pinnacle’s electronics and software, a powerful combination is created. Users may record and analyze second-by-second concentration changes of neurochemicals in the brains of freely-moving animals.


Currently, Pinnacle offers Glutamate, Glucose, Lactate, and Ethanol biosensors. Pinnacle biosensors function by the enzyme-mediated processing of the analyte of interest. This results in the production of hydrogen peroxide that is then detected by oxidation at a Pt-Ir electrode. Electroactive interferents, which are present in the brain, are excluded via a passive selective membrane and, when necessary, through active removal.

CARBON FIBER SENSORS (CFSs) are used in conjunction with Pinnacle’s tethered and wireless recording systems. CFSs are used to measure the presence of biogenic amines (e.g. dopamine) in the brain using fixed potential amperometry or fast scan cyclic voltammetry. Pinnacle CFSs are 30 microns in diameter and 0.5 mm in length.


KEY FEATURES:

• Linear response over a wide, physiologically-
  relevant concentration range

• Exclusion of endogenous electroactive   interferents present in the brain

• Fast response (1-4s) capable of monitoring the
   time course of a physiological release

• Small, rigid design for precise stereotaxic   placement in the brain

USES:

In vivo monitoring of brain chemical   microenvironments

• Monitoring of seizure and addiction related   neurochemical events

• Neurochemical monitoring of behavior and   physiologic correlates

• Drug screening, including neuropharmacological   effects