CAREER: Carbon nanotube modified microelectrodes for insect neurotransmitter detection

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This CAREER award by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry program supports work by Professor B. Jill Venton at the University of Virginia Main Campus. The goal of this work is to develop microelectrode sensors for real-time measurements of neurotransmitters in fruit flies. Carbon nanotube modified electrodes and fast electrochemical techniques will be developed as the basis for new sensors for the insect neurotransmitters octopamine and tyramine. These modified electrodes will be then used to characterize real-time changes in neurotransmission in the fruit fly nervous system. Fruit flies are an ideal model organism because they are easily genetically modified and this will be the first method for measuring dynamic changes in neurotransmitters in the fruit fly. Prof. Venton also plans to develop a series of educational modules that will allow faculty to introduce into their curriculum practical examples of the impact of analytical chemistry on society. This work will add to the fundamental knowledge of the electrochemistry of neurotransmitters and result in the development of highly sensitive electrodes. In addition, the new method to study neurotransmission in the fruit fly will allow a better understanding of the basic biological processes governing neurotransmission.