Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, are essential biomarkers for diagnosing neurological disorders (Parkinson’s disease, depression, schizophrenia, etc.). However, their detection in biological fluids remains challenging due to their low concentration (on the order of nanomolar) and their structural similarity to other molecules present in biological environments.
Current analytical tools often lack the sensitivity or selectivity required to meet this challenge.
In an article published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), Bohdan Kozibroda and Andrey Klymnchenko in collaboration with Professor Jean-Marie Lehn, present an innovative solution: a fluorogenic Lipid nanoreactor that combines molecular recognition and an irreversible chemical reaction to detect dopamine with a detection limit of 11 nM—close to physiological concentrations in the brain (1–30 nM).
The mechanism relies on a combination of molecular recognition and an irreversible chemical reaction: lipophilic boronic acids embedded in lipid nanodroplets act as ligands to specifically trap catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, etc.). The captured neurotransmitters react with a pyrylium-based dye, generating intense fluorescence and covalent labeling of the target molecule. The system works even in complex media (e.g., porcine urine) and excludes interference from other biogenic amines.
This approach enables ultra-sensitive, selective, and reproducible detection with a wide dynamic range.
This work opens major perspectives:
- Development of nanosensors for other small molecules (drugs, metabolites, etc.), due to the system’s modularity.
- Creation of labeling reagents for imaging or diagnostic applications.
- Improvement of early diagnosis for neurological disorders through biomarker detection in biological samples.
The authors acknowledge the support of the European Research Council (ERC), the Jean-Marie Lehn Foundation,the CSC Graduate School - University of Strasbourg, the CNRS the University of Strasbourg.
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