Developing advanced carbon electrodes for detecting brain chemicals

Tunable Carbon Electrodes for in vivo Neurotransmitter Detection

NIH-funded research University of Virginia · NIH-10884257

This study is working on making tiny sensors that can track brain chemicals in real-time, using advanced technology, to help us understand how these chemicals affect brain function and potentially improve treatments for neurological disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10884257 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating new types of carbon electrodes that can detect neurotransmitters in the brain at the synapse level. By utilizing advanced techniques like 3D printing and carbon nanomaterials, the project aims to develop smaller, more efficient sensors that can measure multiple neuromodulators in real-time. The research involves testing these electrodes in a model organism, Drosophila, to understand how chemical signaling affects brain function. Patients may benefit from the insights gained into neurotransmitter dynamics, which could lead to better treatments for neurological disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with neurological disorders or those interested in the underlying mechanisms of brain function.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to neurotransmitter signaling or those not involved in neurological research may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of neurological conditions by enabling precise measurement of brain chemicals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced electrode technologies for neurotransmitter detection, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Charlottesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.