Project Portugal 2030

Summary

This project comprises three key objectives, focused on the advancement of neuroelectrochemistry and the promotion of innovative neurotechnology. The first objective centres on advancing the design and development of state-of-the-art microelectrode sensors. A second objective involves validating a preclinical platform for conducting multimodal and multiplexed measurements of neurochemicals in vivo in the brain, assessing probe biocompatibility. The third objective focuses on the translation of biosensor technologies from the laboratory to healthcare settings, enhancing diagnostic capabilities. These objectives are broken down into the specific goals of each activity: i) Enhance Electrochemical Bio-Sensing Capabilities of Microelectrodes; This goal focuses on enhancing the analytical performance of single and multi-channel microelectrode sensors for electrochemical measurements of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. ii) Development of Highly Sensitive and Selective Microelectrode Biosensors; Activity 2 is centred on the design of highly sensitive and selective oxidase-based electrochemical biosensors for glutamate, glucose, and lactate using single and multichannel microelectrodes. iii) In Vivo Validation and Assessment of Tissue Disruption and Biocompatibility: Activity 3 entails two goals: validation of the analytical performance of microelectrode sensors for glutamate, glucose, lactate, and oxygen ex vivo and in vivo in the rat brain, including monitoring of neurochemicals (EChem) concurrently with electrical activity (EPhys) as local field potential-related currents (LPF); evaluation of tissue disruption and microelectrode sensor biocompatibility when implanted in brain tissue. iv) Demonstrate the Electrochemical Utility of FDA-Approved Multi-Site Electrodes: Activity 4 aims to validate the use of commercial FDA-approved multi-site electrodes, commonly employed for clinical intracortical recordings, to develop electrochemical (bio)sensors for measuring relevant neurochemicals. v) Develop a Rapid, Simple, and Disposable Test of Lactate for Clinical Diagnostic and Sports Medicine: The goal of activity 5 is to leverage a novel disposable electrochemical biosensor using a screen-printed electrode (SPE) platform to TRL5. This biosensor is tailored for Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) in various biological sample matrices. These goals represent a significant advancement of the current state-of-the-art in electrochemical bio-sensing neurotechnology. The envisioned implantable hybrid sensor probes are designed to concurrently capture EChem and EPhys information in real-time in the living rat brain. These probes enable multimodal and multiplexed recordings in vivo, by using high-frequency amperometry. The concept of "Functional Amperometry" (fAmp) is introduced, highlighting its capacity to offer insight into the functional aspects of neuronal activity, including dynamics of neurochemicals concurrently with recordings of electrical activity as local-field potentials-related currents. The objectives demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach aimed to push the boundaries of neuroelectrochemistry and interfaced neurotechnology emphasizing translating research findings into clinical applications in healthcare settings.