Fluorescent-Based Neurotransmitter Sensors: Present and Future Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Neuroscience
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Neurotransmitters (NTs) are vital chemical messengers in the central nervous system, regulating critical functions like cognition and motor control.
• Disruptions in NT levels are linked to severe health issues, including mental health disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
• Early detection of NT imbalances is essential for timely medical intervention and disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest advancements in fluorescence-based biosensors for neurotransmitter detection.
• To explore various sensing platforms, including nanomaterial-based, biomaterial-based, and genetically encoded biosensors.
• To discuss the underlying fluorescence mechanisms and their application in NT sensing.

Main Methods:

• Focus on fluorescence-based biosensors utilizing nanomaterials (metal clusters, carbon dots, quantum dots).
• Review of biomaterial-based sensors (aptamer, enzyme) and genetically encoded biosensors.
• Elaboration on fluorescence mechanisms (FRET, PET, ICT, ESIPT) for NT detection.

Main Results:

• Fluorescence biosensors provide rapid, specific, and selective detection of NTs, overcoming conventional method limitations.
• Diverse sensing strategies, from nanomaterials to biomolecules and genetic encoding, are effective for NT detection.
• Understanding fluorescence mechanisms is key to optimizing biosensor performance for NT analysis.

Conclusions:

• Fluorescence-based biosensors represent a significant advancement in detecting neurotransmitter imbalances.
• Continued development is needed to address current challenges in biosensor design and application.
• These biosensors hold great promise for early disease diagnosis and monitoring of neurological and cardiovascular conditions.