BDNF biosensors for neurodegenerative disease

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential for neuronal health and function. Dysregulated BDNF levels have been correlated with the etiology of several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Recently, biomarkers of central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory responses have been discovered in a variety of body fluids, including blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and tears. Personalized medicine and screening programs will become feasible once biosensing technologies advance sufficiently and are widely implemented in communities. This multidisciplinary review provides an overview of the molecular structure and synthesis of BDNF, emphasizing the complexity and intricate regulation of this crucial neurotrophic factor, as well as exploring the potential of BDNF as a biomarker for neurological conditions. It focuses on its role in disease progression and its utility in early disease detection using aptasensors and immunosensors. We also discuss the challenges associated with utilizing BDNF as a biomarker, such as its complex regulation and the need for sensitive and specific detection methods by electrochemical and optical transducers. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of biosensors to overcome these challenges by enabling real-time, non-invasive, and point-of-care (POC) monitoring of BDNF levels.