Developing a wearable sensing platform for well-being monitoring in individuals with dopamine-related neurological disorders

Neurological disorders are heterogeneous diseases that affect the body’s autonomic, peripheral and central nervous system. These disorders gradually diminish cognitive and motor abilities, hindering daily activities and resulting in a loss of independence. Detection and continuous monitoring of protein biomarkers involved in these disorders are painful and uncomfortable as they are found in hard-to reach body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid or blood. However, several biomarkers or metabolites reside in peripheral biofluids such as saliva, urine and sweat, facilitating the development of wearable biosensors for their non-invasive detection.

Electrochemical sensors offer amazing potential for the development of wearable devices because they can be miniaturized and integrated into comfortable wearable devices (bracelets, smartwatches, etc.).

This study introduces a new analytical wearable platform based on screen-printed electrodes for monitoring dopamine in real samples by differential pulse voltammetry. The sensor was created by electrodepositing a biocompatible polymeric conductive layer onto carbon screen-printed electrodes. The polymeric layer was further modified by electrodepositing gold nanoparticles, in order to direct detect electroactive molecules. The modified platforms were characterized using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The experimental conditions for dopamine detection in body fluids were studied and optimized. Linear calibration curve in the range of 0–100 μM with a limit of detection of 0.002 μM for dopamine determination was obtained. The analytical performances of the sensors in terms of reproducibility and selectivity were also evaluated.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the European Union by the NextGenerationEu project ECS00000017 ‘Ecosistema dell’Innovatione’ Tuscany Health Ecosystem (THE, PNRR, Spoke 3: Nanotechnologies for diagnosis and therapy).