Nitric oxide sensor
Nitric Oxide (NO) is a fundamental signalling moelcule that plays a critical role in many neurobiological processes. As it is electroactive, it can be measured using electrochemistry where NO is oxidized at the surface of a platinum electrode. The oxidization results in a current that can be measured giving an instantenous read-out of the NO concentration surrounding the electrode. The problem with measuring NO this way has always been its selectivity and sensitivity, as there are many interfering substances such as ascorbic acid, and the currents measured are low. We have overcome both these issues in our patented design.
The sensors we ship out have a sensitivity of approximately 1.5 nA per µM dissolved NO (calibration data are provided with each sensor). This allows concentration changes of ~5 nM to be resolved with our combined sensor / potentiostat system.
Stability:
The sensors are stable for up to 4 weeks when implanted in the brain, for continuous measurements of NO without a drop-off in sensitivity.
Size:
The sensors are made from Teflon coated Platinum-Iridium wire. The outer diameter is 125µm, which makes it suitable for brain implantations.
Application:
This Nitric Oxide sensor is designed for implantation in the brain by stereotaxic surgery. The sensor is based on the principles of constant potential amperometry, where a constant potential is delivered to the sensor by means of a potentiostat. This can be used for standard tethered recordings where the sensor is externally connected to a potentiostat (see image). This tethered application is useful for pharmacological profiling and other experiments were extended animal movement is not an issue.
Price: Euro 150 / sensor (reference and auxiliary electrodes needed as well, Euro 50 each)
| Type | Title | Size | Date |
 PDF | Nitric Oxide Sensor User Guide | 804 kbs | 10th May 2011 |
| PDF | Nitric Oxide Information Flyer | 558 kbs | 2nd December 2010 |
