Neurotransmitters act as chemical messengers, determining
human
physiological and psychological function, and abnormal levels of neurotransmitters
are related to conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
disease. Biologically and clinically relevant concentrations of neurotransmitters
are usually very low (nM), so electrochemical and electronic sensors
for neurotransmitter detection play an important role in achieving
sensitive and selective detection. Additionally, these sensors have
the distinct advantage to potentially be wireless, miniaturized, and
multichannel, providing remarkable opportunities for implantable,
long-term sensing capabilities unachievable by spectroscopic or chromatographic
detection methods. In this article, we will focus on advances in the
development and characterization of electrochemical and electronic
sensors for neurotransmitters during the last five years, identifying
how the field is progressing as well as critical knowledge gaps for
sensor researchers.