Advanced materials for optical sensing and biosensing of neurotransmitters

Many physiological disorders, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and schizophrenia, are associated with variations in the biological levels of neurotransmitters and affect, e.g., learning, sleeping, memory, consciousness, and mood. Real-time, ultrasensitive and accurate detection of neurotransmitter levels in biological fluids not only improves the quality of a patient's life but also can reduce the cost of treatment. Advanced materials can offer remarkable opportunities in the design of bioimaging methods. With advanced materials, hopes of introducing “molecule-sensitive” methods with in-situ scientific instrumentation capability increase. This review aims to highlight recent advancements in materials used for detection of important neurotransmitters and focuses on the analytical features of the optical-based methods available.