The brain is the most difficult part of the body to assess especially the level of signaling molecules called cytokines. Cytokines are secreted by glial cells, which could make up nearly 90% of all brain cells. Cytokines play a key role in controlling moods, cognition and behavior, which directly influences mental health.

As a result of in-depth research by a team of scientists at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics (CNBP), Macquarie University, University of Colorado Boulder, Central China Normal University and The University of Adelaide, a sensor which can predict cytokine levels in the brain has been developed for the first time.

The world’s first cytokine sensor consists of a modified optical fiber of which the surface is treated with a capture protein. The protein reacts to the presence of cytokine molecules which monitors its release in discrete and targeted parts of the brain.

"Our research in understanding cytokine secretion, neural circuits and how these two work together is essential to improving our understanding of the brain, in health and disease. Our sensor has opened a new window to the brain, but we still have far more to discover," says Professor Ewa Goldys, CNBP Deputy Director and a senior researcher of the project.

"It may be early days in this research but it will be fascinating to see where this cytokine detection takes us. It may prove to be a pivotal point in the understanding, and eventual diagnostic and clinical treatment, of a whole range of health conditions." says Prof Goldys.