(472d) In Vivo Biosensor Applications for Polymeric Nanosensors

Recent years have shown the incredible versatility and utility of polymeric nanosensors.  Sensors have been developed for a wide variety of ionic analytes (e.g. sodium, potassium, pH) as well as nonionic analytics (e.g. glucose) and have been applied for challenging research fields such as detection of sodium sparks in live cardiomyocytes.  This field of research has yielded new knowledge on cellular metabolism and function.  Additionally, these sensors can be applied in vivo, through implantation in or under the skin in animals; showing potential as a research tool for continuous monitoring of analyte concentrations without the need for direct samples to be taken from the animal.   

To date the choice of recognition element has limited the range of targets which can be measured with these polymeric nanosensors.  This stems from the need for small molecule recognition elements (e.g. ionophores) which can be incorporated into the polymer matrix.  Through the combination of these nanosensors with enzymatic recognition elements we can now detect a far wider variety of biologically relevant targets through detection of metabolic byproducts of enzymatic reactions.  This talk will discuss continuous monitoring of histamine concentrations in small animals as a proof of concept for eventual monitoring of a suite of physiological parameters.

This work was supported by DARPA and the National Institute of General Medicine of the National Institutes of Health under award number R01 GM084366.