Photoacoustic Nanosensor Probes for Imaging Neurotransmitter Dynamics

The ability to monitor spatiotemporal dynamics of neurotransmitter release is crucial for understanding the basis of brain function. The precise cognitive operations supported by the changes in cortical neuromodulatory activity have not been fully recognized, largely due to the limitations of current methods which have trade-offs between spatial, temporal, and biochemical information.

 

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a powerful technique enabling rapid analysis in deep tissue that combines the high sensitivity of optical imaging and the deep tissue penetration and resolution of ultrasonic imaging. In the near-infrared excitation range, it is not sensitive to most biomolecules other than hemoglobin, but its potential is unlocked when paired with PA probes.

 

Professor Heather Clark, at Arizona State University, has developed novel nanosensor probes which act as transduction and actuation moieties to be used with photoacoustic imaging for monitoring spatiotemporal dynamics of neurotransmitter release. These probes are able to achieve the sensitivity, temporal response, and spatial resolution needed for cellular imaging in vivo.

 

These nanosensor probes provide a new in vivo imaging tool to advance fundamental knowledge of biochemical signaling and multiplexed imaging for real-time visualization of a variety of biological processes.

 

Potential Applications

Benefits and Advantages

For more information about the inventor(s) and their research, please see

Dr. Clark's laboratory webpage