High Young's modulus carbon fiber microelectrodes for fouling resistance with fast scanning cyclic voltammetry.

Abstract

By Collin Fleischer, Biochemistry

Advisor: Ashley Ross

Abstract: Here, we used different Young's modulus Carbon Fiber Microelectrodes (CFME's) to resist fouling of neurotransmitter detection. These experiments were carried out using Fast Scanning Cyclic Voltammetry (FSCV) and by using this technique we were able to detect changes in neurotransmitter concentrations at sub-second intervals. Using this technique, serotonin (5-HT) was measured at a triangle wave form of -0.4V to 1.3V and serotonin (5-HT) was injected into the system twenty-five times in order to see the electrode decrease in current causing the fouling to be exhibited clearly. The types of fibers utilized include TS30 as the control, MS40, and HS40. These go in ascending order of Young's modulus with HS40 being the highest. It was observed that having a higher Young's modulus would decrease the amount of fouling and is exhibited through the results shown by the HS40. The TS30 CFME exhibited roughly a 50% decrease in functionality due to fouling after detecting serotonin. The HS40 CFME showed roughly a 20% decrease in functionality due to fouling after detecting serotonin. The HS40 fibers are able to replace the Carbon Nanotube Microelectrodes in terms of fouling of neurotransmitters. Overall, these HS40 CFME's will be more cost effective, more efficient to make and produce the same or better results than the Carbon Nanotube Microelectrodes.