Advanced Electrochemical Sensors for Rapid and Sensitive Monitoring of Tryptophan and Tryptamine in Clinical Diagnostics.

Abstract

Tryptophan (Trp) and tryptamine (Tryp), critical biomarkers in mood regulation, immune function, and metabolic homeostasis, are increasingly recognized for their roles in both oral and systemic pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, and inflammatory conditions. Their rapid, sensitive detection in biofluids such as saliva-a non-invasive, real-time diagnostic medium-offers transformative potential for early disease identification and personalized health monitoring. This review synthesizes advancements in electrochemical sensor technologies tailored for Trp and Tryp quantification, emphasizing their clinical relevance in diagnosing conditions like oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and breast cancer, where dysregulated Trp metabolism reflects immune dysfunction or tumor progression. Electrochemical platforms have overcome the limitations of conventional techniques (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and mass spectrometry) by integrating innovative nanomaterials and smart engineering strategies. Carbon-based architectures, such as graphene (Gr) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with metal nanoparticles (Ni and Co) or nitrogen dopants, amplify electron transfer kinetics and catalytic activity, achieving sub-nanomolar detection limits. Synergies between doping and advanced functionalization-via aptamers (Apt), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), or metal-oxide hybrids-impart exceptional selectivity, enabling the precise discrimination of Trp and Tryp in complex matrices like saliva. Mechanistically, redox reactions at the indole ring are optimized through tailored electrode interfaces, which enhance reaction kinetics and stability over repeated cycles. Translational strides include 3D-printed microfluidics and wearable sensors for continuous intraoral health surveillance, demonstrating clinical utility in detecting elevated Trp levels in OSCC and breast cancer. These platforms align with point-of-care (POC) needs through rapid response times, minimal fouling, and compatibility with scalable fabrication. However, challenges persist in standardizing saliva collection, mitigating matrix interference, and validating biomarkers across diverse populations. Emerging solutions, such as AI-driven analytics and antifouling coatings, coupled with interdisciplinary efforts to refine device integration and manufacturing, are critical to bridging these gaps. By harmonizing material innovation with clinical insights, electrochemical sensors promise to revolutionize precision medicine, offering cost-effective, real-time diagnostics for both localized oral pathologies and systemic diseases. As the field advances, addressing stability and scalability barriers will unlock the full potential of these technologies, transforming them into indispensable tools for early intervention and tailored therapeutic monitoring in global healthcare.