Fluorescent Nanozeolite Receptors for the Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of Neurotransmitters in Water and Biofluids (Adv. Mater. 49/2021)

Abstract

Detection of Neurotransmitters So far, only modestly performing synthetic binders have been accessible for small bioactive molecules such as serotonin and dopamine. In article number 2104614, Luisa De Cola, Frank Biedermann, and co‐workers introduce zeolite‐based artificial receptors (ZARs), which are microporous inorganic–organic hybrid materials applicable for the optical‐based detection of serotonin and dopamine in urine at physiological relevant concentrations. These ZARs outperform protein receptors with respect to response times, robustness and scalability.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Nanosensing and Imaging in Neuroscience

“…Molecular imaging tools for monitoring the levels of neurotransmitters rely primarily on autofluorescence, fluorescent probes acting as false neurotransmitters or monitoring vesicular cycling , or radiolabeled ligands. Selectivity can be achieved in various ways such as the use of small fluorescent organic molecules or nanomaterials functionalized with recognition molecules/synthetic binders that bind specifically to the target neurotransmitters , or neurotransmitter receptor/transporter proteins. , Alternatively, recent years have seen the development of a growing range of genetically encoded fluorescent ions (in particular for Ca 2+ imaging , ) or neurotransmitter sensors providing opportunities to visualize neurochemical activity at the molecular level. , Others have used multiplexed fluorescence in situ hybridization to visualize numerous RNA species in brain cells. − Unfortunately, fluorescence technologies have certain disadvantages such as limited selectivity and multiplexing capacity, and photobleaching of the dyes, making quantitative measurements challenging . The use of normal Raman or SERS dyes can overcome some of these limitations .…”

Tunable Fluorescent Artificial Receptor Biosensor Based on Programmable Lanthanide Metal‐Organic Framework for Highly Selective Neurotransmitter Detection

“…Artificial receptor‐based biosensors are believed to open exciting new avenues for precision medicine based on point‐of‐care diagnosis. [ 1–4 ] Classical macrocyclic systems, including calix[n]arenes, [ 5,6 ] naphthotubes, [ 7,8 ] cavitand hosts, [ 9,10 ] pillar[n]arenes, [ 11–13 ] and cucurbituril, [ 14,15 ] have been developed for the identification of pharmaceuticals, metal ions, steroids, neurotransmitters, etc. Unfortunately, given the inherent covalently linked structure of macrocyclic systems, their backbone synthesis and derivatization to tune binding properties are complex, time‐consuming, and challenging.…”

Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine Release from Living Neurons Using Graphene Oxide‐Incorporated Polypyrrole/Gold Nanocluster Hybrid Nanopattern Arrays

“…[ 27–31 ] Owing to this interesting property, numerous electrochemical DA sensors have been reported, mostly incorporating nanomaterials and structures to enhance both sensitivity and selectivity toward DA detection. [ 32–39 ] However, most DA sensors reported previously targeted the DA in blood for the early diagnosis and progression of PD. [ 40–44 ] In this case, the interfering materials are mostly biomolecules that are abundant in the human plasma, including ascorbic acid, uric acid, and hormones.…”