In vivo electrochemical sensing based
on implantable
microelectrodes is a strong driving force of analytical neurochemistry
in brain. The complex and dynamic neurochemical network sets stringent
standards of in vivo electrochemical sensors including
high spatiotemporal resolution, selectivity, sensitivity, and minimized
disturbance on brain function. Although advanced materials and novel
technologies have promoted the development of in vivo electrochemical sensors drastically, gaps with the goals still exist.
This Review mainly focuses on recent attempts on the key issues of in vivo electrochemical sensors including selectivity, tissue
response and sensing reliability, and compatibility with electrophysiological
techniques. In vivo electrochemical methods with
bare carbon fiber electrodes, of which the selectivity is achieved
either with electrochemical techniques such as fast-scan cyclic voltammetry
and differential pulse voltammetry or based on the physiological nature
will not be reviewed. Following the elaboration of each issue involved
in in vivo electrochemical sensors, possible solutions
supported by the latest methodological progress will be discussed,
aiming to provide inspiring and practical instructions for future
research.