Bioelectrochemical analysis of neurodegeneration: Refocusing efforts

Since 1970s, electrochemistry is enthusiastically used for studies of severe neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or prion-associated transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, associated with the neuronal death in the brain. The existing electrochemical sensors can be used both for direct neurotransmitter analysis in the brain and for detection of both proteins/amyloid peptides and the extent of their aggregation/oligomerisation. However, these sensors' application in body fluids or certain brain areas of interest may be restricted by the presence of structurally or electrochemically related species interfering with electroanalysis. Thus, recent efforts are refocusing on bioelectroanalysis with the apatmer- and antibody-modified electrodes, enabling obtaining more specific, interference-free results that allow better correlations with the disease state. In this opinion, I consider these recent efforts aimed at deeper studies and better understanding of neurotransmitter and protein/peptide patterns linked to neurodegenerative disorders.