Electrochemical Aptamer-Based Neurotransmitter Sensors for Application in Precision Psychiatry
Abstract
Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, are endogenous chemicals that enable neurons to communicate with one another throughout the body. Alterations in the levels of specific neurotransmitters are associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders. Dopamine (DA) - often known as the feel-good hormone – is primarily responsible for reward and motivation and is a key biomarker of Parkinson’s disease. Medications such as Levodopa alter its level in biological fluids, monitoring of which is important to ensure the proper therapeutic range for sufficient medication to cross the blood-brain barrier. Serotonin (5-HT) regulates mood, stress response, sleep, and autonomic function, and its dysregulation is implicated in depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Continuous or longitudinal monitoring of serotonin—especially in accessible biological matrices—can provide critical insights into …