One-step hydrothermal synthesis of a novel rare earth phosphate nanoellipsoid with high electrocatalytic activity and distinguished biosensing performance to common neurotransmitters

•For the first time, a novel biosensor based on ErPO4 nanoparticles was established.•The biosensor revealed lower detection limits and wider linear range toward DA and UA.•The biosensor exhibitd excellent selectivity toward simultaneous determination of DA and UA.•This work extended a catalytic mechanism of the biosensing performance to biomolecules.