Application of advanced biosensors in nervous system diseases

Abstract

Nervous system diseases are among the most common diseases globally, posing a severe threat to patients' quality of life and placing a considerable burden on families and society. With improvements in miniaturization, intelligence, and the safety of biosensors, the combination of machinery and organisms is becoming increasingly common. In neuroscience research, biosensors of different macroscopic dimensions have been uniquely utilized to harness their relevant properties. One‐dimensional (1D) biosensors can achieve in situ real‐time monitoring of neural markers at the subcellular, single‐cell, ex vivo, and in vivo levels, with reduced impacts on organisms. Two‐dimensional (2D) biosensors can monitor the chemical behavior of cells and the neural activity of living animals. They are helpful for objectively identifying the characteristics of cells in response to external stimuli and studying the neural circuits of living animals. Three‐dimensional (3D) biosensors have shown unique advantages in point‐of‐care testing, liquid biopsy, drug screening, and mechanistic research. In clinical practice, brain‐computer interfaces (BCIs) and wearable devices have become important tools for monitoring and treatment. To date, there has been widespread adoption of BCIs in clinical practice. BCIs not only exhibit good efficacy in severe neurological and mental diseases but also provide a method for early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Wearable sensor devices can accurately assess the symptoms of movement disorders and play an active role in rehabilitation and treatment. In this review, we summarize the application of advanced biosensors in neuroscience research and clinical practice. The challenges and prospects of biosensors as applied to nervous system diseases under interdisciplinary promotion are also discussed in depth.