Innovative electrochemical detection of major antiepileptic drugs

Epilepsy, a common chronic disorder, affects millions of people worldwide. A variety of medications are prescribed to reduce seizure frequency, improve quality of life, and prevent complications, leading to better management of epilepsy. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) such as carbamazepine and levetiracetam reduce excessive neuronal excitability in epilepsy. However, monitoring of AEDs is essential to ensure their efficacy and minimize side effects. This review aims to bridge pharmacological knowledge with advances in sensor technology to improve AED therapeutic monitoring and clinical outcomes. To provide a comprehensive review, we used VOSviewer software to analyze relevant articles in the PubMed database. The pharmacological mechanisms and clinical significance of ordinary AEDs and their importance in epilepsy management is briefly reviewed. Electrochemical assays have been investigated as alternatives/complements to AEDs with high sensitivity, rapid response, portability, and cost-effectiveness. Recent advances in electrochemical sensing platforms, nanosensors, and nanocomposites based on aptamers or molecularly imprinted polymers designed for the detection of AEDs in biological samples are promising. Improved selectivity, in situ and real-time monitoring, and cost-effectiveness are prominent features of these sensors. However, long-term stability and reproducibility of results are challenges in the field of electrochemical sensors. Prospects include the integration of microfluidics, wearable technologies, and wireless transmission to improve personalized epilepsy care.