Real-time sensing of neurotransmitters by functionalized nanopores embedded in a single live cell

Interface between neuron cells and biomaterials is the key to real-time sensing, transmitting and manipulating of neuron activities, which are the long-term pursue of scientists and gain intense research focus recently. It is of great interest to develop a sensor with exquisite sensitivity and excellent selectivity for real-time monitoring neurotransmitters transport through single live cell. Sensing techniques including electrode-based methods, optogenetics, and nanowire cell penetration systems have been developed to monitor the neuron activities. However, their biocompatibilities remain a challenge. Protein nanopores with membrane compatibility and lumen tunability provide real-time, single-molecule sensitivities for biosensing of DNA, RNA, peptides and small molecules. In this study, an engineered protein nanopore MspA (Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A) through site-directed mutation with histidine selectively bind with Cu(2+) in its internal lumen. Chelation of neurotransmitters such as L-glutamate (L-Glu), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) with the Cu(2+) creates specific current signals, showing different transient current blockade and dwell time in single channel electrophysiological recording. Furthermore, the functionalized M2MspA-N91H nanopores have been embedded in live HEK293T cell membrane for real-time, in situ monitoring of extracellular L-glutamate translocating through the nanopore. This biomimetic neurotransmitter nanopore has provided a new platform for future development of neuron sensors, drug carrier and artificial synapse. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43556-021-00026-3.