All-Diamond Boron-Doped Microelectrodes for Neurochemical Sensing with Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry

Abstract

Neurochemical sensing with implantable devices has gained remarkable attention over the last few decades. A promising area of this research is the progress of novel electrodes as electrochemical tools for neurotransmitter detection in the brain. The boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode is one such candidate that previously has been reported for its excellent electrochemical properties, including a wide working potential, superior chemical inertness and mechanical stability, good biocompatibility and resistance to fouling. Meanwhile, limited research has been conducted on the BDD as a microelectrode for neurochemical detection. Our team has developed a freestanding, all diamond microelectrode consisting of a boron-doped polycrystalline diamond core, encapsulated in an insulating polycrystalline diamond shell, with a cleaved planar tip for electrochemical sensing. This all-diamond electrode is advantageous due to its – (1) batch fabrication using wafer technology that eliminates traditional hand fabrication errors and inconsistencies, (2) absence of metal-based wires, or foundations, to improve biocompatibility and flexibility, and (3) sp3 carbon surface with resistance to biofouling, i.e. adsorption of proteins or unwanted molecules at the electrode surface in a biological environment that impedes overall electrode performance. Here, we provide findings on further in vitro testing and development of the freestanding boron-doped diamond microelectrode (BDDME) for neurotransmitter detection using fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV). In this report, we elaborate on – 1) an updated fabrication scheme and work flow to generate all diamond BDDMEs, 2) slow scan cyclic voltammetry measurements of reference and target analytes to understand basic electrochemical behavior of the electrode, and 3) FSCV characterization of common neurotransmitters, and overall favorability of serotonin (5-HT) detection. The BDDME showed a 2-fold increased FSCV response for 5-HT in comparison to dopamine (DA), with a limit of detection of 0.16 µM for 5-HT and 0.26 µM for DA. These results are intended to expand on the development of the next generation BDDME and guide future in vivo experiments, adding to the growing body of literature on implantable devices for neurochemical sensing.