Electrochemical Droplet Sculpturing of Short Carbon Fiber Nanotip Electrodes for Neurotransmitter Detection.

ABSTRACT: Carbon fiber nanotip electrodes (CFNEs) are crucial for electrochemical recordings of neurotransmission release in confined spaces, such as synapses and intracellular measurements. However, fabricating CFNEs with small surface area to minimize noise remains challenging due to inconsistent tip size control, low reproducibility, and low fabrication success rate. Here, we present a reliable, user-friendly method with high reproducibility and success rate for precise CFNE fabrication using microscopy-guided electrochemical etching of cylindrical carbon fiber microelectrodes in a potassium hydroxide droplet. The electrode positioning at the droplet's liquid-air interface determines the etched region, while manually applied time- and amplitude-controlled voltage pulses regulate material removal.

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12415824 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature