Continuous fluidic sampling systems
allow collection of brain biomarkers in vivo. Here,
we propose a new sequential and intermittent
sampling paradigm using droplets, called Droplet on Demand (DoD).
It is implemented in a microfabricated neural probe and alternates
phases of analyte removal from the tissue and phases of equilibration
of the concentration in the tissue. It allows sampling droplets loaded
with molecules from the brain extracellular fluid punctually, without
the long transient equilibration periods typical of continuous methods.
It uses an accurately defined fluidic sequence with controlled timings,
volumes, and flow rates, and correct operation is verified by the
embedded electrodes and a flow sensor. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated
the application of this novel approach in vitro and in vivo, to collect glucose in the brain of mice, with a
temporal resolution of 1–2 min and without transient regime.
Absolute quantification of the glucose level in the samples was performed
by direct infusion nanoelectrospray ionization Fourier transform mass
spectrometry (nanoESI-FTMS). By adjusting the diffusion time and the
perfusion volume of DoD, the fraction of molecules recovered in the
samples can be tuned to mirror the tissue concentration at accurate
points in time. Moreover, this makes quantification of biomarkers
in the brain possible within acute experiments of only 20–120
min. DoD provides a complementary tool to continuous microdialysis
and push–pull sampling probes. Thus, the advances allowed by
DoD will benefit quantitative molecular studies in the brain, i.e.,
for molecules involved in volume transmission or for protein aggregates
that form in neurodegenerative diseases over long periods.