Selectively Probing Neurochemicals in Living Animals with Electrochemical Systems

Neurochemicals are essential molecules presented in the central nervous system that are primarily involved in neural activity and signaling. Neurochemical abnormalities resulted from genetic or environmental changes can lead to several behavioral and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. It is therefore imperative to employ detection systems of the optimal selectivity and spatio-temporal resolution to ascertain the specific molecular basis particular to the pathological process. Electrochemical systems featuring excellent temporal-spatial resolution and designable electrode interface are arguably the most versatile and widely used approaches for sensing of neurochemicals in living brain environment. Nevertheless, there are still many challenges that must be addressed to enable highly selective, sensitive, and stable in vivo electrochemical sensors and facilitate their development for emerging applications ranging from early diagnosis of brain diseases to designing potential curative treatments. Here, we provide a brief overview of the application of electrochemical sensors and biosensors in the analysis of neurochemicals in living animals. In particular, we highlight recent advances in modulating the physicochemical properties of electrode that can lead to in vivo sensors with exceptional selectivity. In addition, future trends of highly selective in vivo electrochemical systems are prospected.

Automated summary

Neurochemicals play a vital role in neural activity and can lead to various neurological disorders when abnormalities occur. Electrochemical systems are widely used in sensing neurochemicals in living brain environments, but there are still challenges that need to be addressed for their development and application.