The evaluation of interdigitated array electrodes for measurement of catecholamines and indoleamines

The use of Interdigitated Array (IDA) Microelectrodes for detection of low levels of biogenic amines has been demonstrated in stationary solutions and flow systems [M. Morita et al., Electrochemica Acta 42(20-21) (1997) 3177- 3183]. This technique is highly sensitive. We have evaluated this technolog y as applied to High Pressure Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical De tection (HPLC-EC) for analysis of microdialysate and tissue samples. With t his new technology we demonstrated a x 10 fold increase in sensitivity in c omparison to our existing technology. We are now able to detect dopamine at a level of 53 x 10(-18) moles on column and serotonin at 26 x 10(-18) mole s on column. This technology now permits analysis of biogenic amines in sam ples from brain areas not previously amenable to this type of experiment. ( C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.