Nanomaterial-modified Hybrid Platforms for Precise Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine

Abstract

Dopamine belongs to the class of catecholamine neurotransmitters which have vital roles in the human central nervous system. Due to its importance in signal transmission in the nervous system, the abnormal release of dopamine is critical for the development of a number of neurological diseases/disorders, including Parkinson’s diseases, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and even drug addiction. Hence, there is an utmost need to develop platforms for the quantitative detection of dopamine in the human body in a rapid, sensitive, and label-free manner. A variety of nanomaterials have been explored and integrated into dopamine sensing platforms; in particular, electrochemical sensors can enhance both the sensitivity and selectivity toward dopamine, with promising results. The aim of this review is to summarize recent research on nanomaterial-modified dopamine electrochemical sensor platforms, particularly those that use nanoparticle-, graphene composite-, and transition metal dichalcogenide-modified electrodes. The information presented in this review might motivate the discovery or extension of nanomaterials with beneficial properties for the development of biosensors to detect various neurotransmitters including dopamine.