Scientists have developed a microelectrode that could facilitate field studies on the dynamics of Nitric oxide (NO) near the surface of living cells and tissues. In many living cells, NO is used as a signalling molecule for many important processes, including cell development. However, obtaining real time measurements of NO in cells and tissues has been a challenge for researchers in the field. The new sensor could help solve this problem, and provides measurements similar to those obtained with laboratory microelectrode designs. To demonstrate the instrument’s use, the team of scientists examined three model organisms, including: bacteria, plant, and an invertebrate animal.

The study, “Microprofiling real time nitric oxide flux for field studies using a stratified nanohybrid carbon–metal electrode,” was published in the journal Analytical Methods. The work was supported by NASA Astrobiology through the Exobiology & Evolutionary Biology Program.