Interference (communication)

Electro-optical sensor

Wireless sensor network

Transient (computer programming)

Biomedical engineering

Electrochemistry

Materials science

Continuous monitoring

Chromatography

Real-time computing

Endocrinology

Operating system

Nitric oxide

Telecommunications

Economics

Computer science

Electrochemical gas sensor

Computer network

Physical chemistry

Nanotechnology

Operations management

Medicine

Chemistry

Electrode

Channel (broadcasting)

Wireless

Detection limit

Nature Communications

Real-time sensing of nitric oxide (NO) in physiological environments is critically important in monitoring neurotransmission, inflammatory responses, cardiovascular systems, etc. Conventional approaches for NO detection relying on indirect colorimetric measurement or built with rigid and permanent materials cannot provide continuous monitoring and/or require additional surgical retrieval of the implants, which comes with increased risks and hospital cost. Herein, we report a flexible, biologically degradable and wirelessly operated electrochemical sensor for real-time NO detection with a low detection limit (3.97 nmol), a wide sensing range (0.01-100 μM), and desirable anti-interference characteristics. The device successfully captures NO evolution in cultured cells and organs, with results comparable to those obtained from the standard Griess assay. Incorporated with a wireless circuit, the sensor platform achieves continuous sensing of NO levels in living mammals for several days. The work may provide essential diagnostic and therapeutic information for health assessment, treatment optimization and postsurgical monitoring.

A flexible and physically transient electrochemical sensor for real-time wireless nitric oxide monitoring