Measuring serotonin levels in the brain using flexible electrode arrays
Official title: Flexible Multielectrode Arrays for Tonic and Phasic Serotonin Electrochemical Detection in the Brain
Funded at Louisiana Tech University · NIH-10689262 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new flexible device that can measure serotonin levels in different parts of the brain at the same time, which could help us understand how serotonin affects anxiety and depression, and improve treatments for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana Tech University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ruston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $181,307 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH128803-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10689262 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other related mental health disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any psychiatric disorders or those who are not experiencing symptoms related to serotonin dysregulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of flexible electrode array that can measure serotonin levels in different parts of the brain simultaneously. By tracking both tonic (steady) and phasic (rapid) serotonin dynamics over extended periods, the study aims to better understand how serotonin influences conditions like anxiety and depression. The innovative approach involves implanting these electrodes to gather data continuously, which could lead to insights into how various treatments affect serotonin levels. This could ultimately help in tailoring more effective therapies for mental health disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for anxiety and depression by providing a deeper understanding of serotonin dynamics.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on serotonin measurement, this approach using flexible multielectrode arrays for chronic detection is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castagnola, Elisa — Louisiana Tech University
- Study coordinator: Castagnola, Elisa
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.