Rationally Design of Near Infrared Light Responsive Micro-Photoelectrodes for In Vivo Sensing of Neurotransmitter Molecules in Mouse Brain^†

The accurate quantification of neurotransmitter molecules is an indispensable means to reveal the physiological mechanisms of neuro movement in molecular level. However, existing detection strategies cannot fully meet practical needs, and the on-site and in vivo detection of neurotransmitters in brain remains a great challenge. Here, we report the development of a near infrared light responsive photoelectrochemical (PEC) detection method for in vivo quantification of neurotransmitter dopamine in mouse brain. Under guidance of density function theory calculations, a combination strategy of non-metal cation doping and defect engineering is introduced to rationally design the micro-photoelectrodes with excellent biocompatibility and stability and implements the in vivo PEC detection of dopamine in mouse brain. It opens up a new way for the accurate in vivo detection of biomolecules and allows researchers to make novel inquiries for long-standing questions in a new way.