Ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensors for dopamine and cholesterol: Recent advances, challenges and strategies

Rapid and accurate determination of dopamine (neurotransmitter) and cholesterol level in bio-fluids is of great significance because they are crucial bioanalytes for several lethal diseases which require early diagnosis. The level of DA in brain is modulated by dopamine active transporter (DAT), which is influenced by the cholesterol levels in the lipid membrane environment. In this context, electrochemical biosensors offer rapid, accurate and exhibit unique features such as low detection limits even with reduced volumes of analyte, affordability, simple handling, portability and versatility, which make them appropriate to deal with presently augmented challenges in current clinical and point-of-care diagnostics for dopamine (DA) and cholesterol determination. The core of this feature article is the the development of ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensors for cholesterol and DA detection for real-time and onsite applications which could detect the targeted analytes at reduced volumes, sub-picomolar concentrations with response times. An ultrasensitive biosensor developed with cost-effective simplified fabrication procedure and displaying high sensitivity, selectivity, reliability along with good stability is of supreme worth in the forthcoming era of electrochemical biosensing. Herein, we have put emphasis on recent advanced nanomaterials used for ultrasensitive detection of DA and choleserol and discussed in depth their electrochemical activities towards ultrasensitive reponse. Key points describing future persepective, challenges faced during detection method with their probable solutions is discussed and also surveyed the current market. Further comprehensive studies of various reports open up room for improvement in miniaturization of cholesterol and dopamine biosensors for lab-on-chip devices and overcome current technical limitations to facilitate full utilization by the patients at home.