# Micro- to Nanoscale Neurochemical Sensors

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2020 · $1,140,630

## Abstract

Micro- to Nanoscale Neurochemical Sensors
Abstract
Current methods to measure neurochemicals in the extracellular space are limited by poor chemical,
spatial, and temporal resolution. Researchers are therefore unable to investigate brain chemistries
dynamically, particularly at the level of neural circuits and across broad arrays of signaling molecules.
To understand cell signaling at the time scales pertinent to intrinsically encoded information, truly
transformative sensors are needed that will provide highly multiplexed readouts of changes in
extracellular neurochemical concentrations with sub-second response times. The objective of this
proposal is to design, develop, test, and optimize neurochemical sensors that approach these critical
attributes. Molecular recognition will occur via DNA sequences (aptamers) linked to field-effect
transistor (FET) sensor arrays for electronic transduction of reversible binding events via conductance
changes. Microscale FETs will be employed initially, followed by the development and implementation
of multiplexed nanowire FETs. Lithographically fabricated FETs on silicon microprobes, and the
aptamers they are functionalized with will be validated in vitro, ex vivo, and implanted for performance
evaluation in vivo. By carrying out the proposed research, we will integrate and extend the unique and
diverse capabilities of the members of our team to make critical advances in neurochemical sensing
technologies that will enable unprecedented insight into how information is coded in cell signaling.
The impact will be towards understanding the function of the healthy brain in relation to complex
behaviors, and corresponding dysfunction in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders to
ultimately identify new therapeutic targets for these diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10001487
- **Project number:** 5R01DA045550-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** ANNE MILASINCIC ANDREWS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,140,630
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10001487

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10001487, Micro- to Nanoscale Neurochemical Sensors (5R01DA045550-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10001487. Licensed CC0.

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