Detection of catecholamine neurotransmitters by nanostructured SnO2 based electrochemical sensors: a review of recent progresses

Catecholamine neurotransmitters are crucial molecules for physiological processes in human metabolism and are involved in the progression of various neurological diseases. Conventional analytical methods for their determination are based on time-consuming and laboratory intensive procedures. Hence, a rapid and simple method for the detection of these key brain chemicals is important to improve the human health and individual quality of life. This can also be helpful to diagnose neurological disorders at an early stage and to prevent them. In this paper, a brief overview is presented on the latest developments and applications of electrochemical sensors based on nanostructured tin dioxide (SnO2) for monitoring some of the most important catecholamine neurotransmitter substances, i.e. dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The potential of these novel electrochemical devices and their outstanding performances in the field are highlighted.