Microelectrodes for electrochemical measurement of cell exocytosis

Dynamic detection of exocytosis at the single cell level is of paramount importance to elucidate the mechanisms of cell-to-cell communication. Amperometry based on micro- or nano-electrodes was proved to be an efficient method for electrochemically mapping the change in easily oxidized substances released from different single secretory vesicles across the surface of cells. This chapter includes a general assessment of advances in electrochemically biosensing different types of secreted molecules. The developments in on-chip microelectrodes were specially addressed in comparison to traditional carbon fiber based microelectrodes. The electrode material, electrochemical techniques and its analytical performance were covered, special attention was paid to integrated microdevices for cell positioning and exocytosis measurements. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of present methods for exocytosis measurements were summarized; future trend and potential research interest were commented.