The article "Aptamer Renaissance for Neurochemical Biosensing" by Annina Stuber and Nako Nakatsuka explores the potential of aptamers, selective synthetic bioreceptors, in addressing the challenges of neurochemical biosensing. The authors emphasize the importance of characterizing aptamer thermodynamics and target binding to realize functional biosensors in biological systems. They focus on two label-free affinity platforms: field-effect transistors (FETs) and nanopores, which overcome nonspecific binding issues that have hindered the translation of biosensors from the lab to the clinic. The integration of well-characterized structure-switching aptamers has enhanced the selectivity and sensitivity of these biosensors. The article discusses the advantages and limitations of various neurochemical detection methodologies, such as MRI, microdialysis, FSCV, and genetically encoded optical sensors, highlighting the need for high selectivity, label-free operation, real-time monitoring, and multiplexed detection. The authors also delve into the design and tuning of aptamer properties, the characterization of aptamer binding in relevant environments, and the use of structure-switching aptamers to overcome the Debye length limitation in electronic biosensors. They present examples of aptamer-functionalized FETs and nanopipettes that have demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity for neurotransmitters in biological media. The article concludes by discussing the future prospects of aptamer-based biosensors in neuroscience and human health, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and the potential for closed-loop systems in personalized medicine.The article "Aptamer Renaissance for Neurochemical Biosensing" by Annina Stuber and Nako Nakatsuka explores the potential of aptamers, selective synthetic bioreceptors, in addressing the challenges of neurochemical biosensing. The authors emphasize the importance of characterizing aptamer thermodynamics and target binding to realize functional biosensors in biological systems. They focus on two label-free affinity platforms: field-effect transistors (FETs) and nanopores, which overcome nonspecific binding issues that have hindered the translation of biosensors from the lab to the clinic. The integration of well-characterized structure-switching aptamers has enhanced the selectivity and sensitivity of these biosensors. The article discusses the advantages and limitations of various neurochemical detection methodologies, such as MRI, microdialysis, FSCV, and genetically encoded optical sensors, highlighting the need for high selectivity, label-free operation, real-time monitoring, and multiplexed detection. The authors also delve into the design and tuning of aptamer properties, the characterization of aptamer binding in relevant environments, and the use of structure-switching aptamers to overcome the Debye length limitation in electronic biosensors. They present examples of aptamer-functionalized FETs and nanopipettes that have demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity for neurotransmitters in biological media. The article concludes by discussing the future prospects of aptamer-based biosensors in neuroscience and human health, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and the potential for closed-loop systems in personalized medicine.