Laboratory Applications of Electrochemical Biosensors in Detecting Parkinson’s Disease Early

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective disease management, but current diagnostic methods face challenges such as low sensitivity, high costs, and the need for specialized equipment. Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as promising tools for early PD detection by identifying specific biomarkers associated with the disease. These devices convert biological reactions into measurable electrical signals, enabling sensitive and selective analyte detection. Recent advancements in nanomaterials and sensing mechanisms have significantly enhanced the performance of electrochemical biosensors for PD biomarker detection. Key biomarkers include alpha-synuclein (α-syn), a primary component of Lewy bodies; microRNAs such as miR-195; dopamine, a critical neurotransmitter; and PARK7/DJ-1 protein. Innovative biosensor designs, such as aptamer-based liquid crystal biosensors for α-syn detection and nanomaterial-modified electrodes for miR-195 quantification, have demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity. Additionally, flexible electrodes and microfluidic sensors have been developed for dopamine monitoring, while impedance spectroscopy has been employed for PARK7/DJ-1 detection. The integration of electrochemical biosensors with digital health platforms and machine learning tools holds promise for personalized medicine in PD management. However, standardization and validation of these technologies are necessary for widespread clinical adoption. With ongoing advancements, electrochemical biosensors have the potential to revolutionize early diagnosis and monitoring of PD, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Keywords: laboratory testing, PD, Parkinson disease