Recent advances in development of devices and probes for sensing and imaging in the brain

As the most important part of the central nervous system, the brain is extremely complex in structure and function. In vivo analysis of chemical signals is an essential way to investigate brain activity and function. Although functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or electrophysiology can be used to record brain activity, they are usually limited by low spatiotemporal fidelity or the difficulty of distinguishing the contributions of various neurochemicals. In addition, the development of in vivo biosensors with high selectivity and accuracy is essential to understand the roles that neurochemicals play in the brain. In this review, we focus on the development of instruments and devices for recording chemical signals in the live brain. Meanwhile, the strategies for development of electrochemical and fluorescent probes with high selectivity, high accuracy and good stability are also summarized. In particular, this review highlighted the contributions of our research group to this field. The development of techniques and probes enable us to understand the brain structure and function, and the mechanism of brain diseases, providing the solution for preventing and treating brain diseases. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]