Diagnosis, Bacterial Density, Food, and Agricultural Applications of Magnetoelastic Biosensors: Theory, Instrumentation, and Progress

Abstract

Magnetoelastic biosensors have emerged as a promising technology for the sensitive and label-free detection of a wide range of biological analytes. These biosensors use the magnetoelastic effect, which describes how the mechanical properties of magnetostrictive materials change in response to a magnetic field. This effect is utilized to detect biological analytes by immobilizing specific recognition elements, such as antibodies or nucleic acids, on the magnetoelastic material’s surface. The binding of target analytes to the recognition elements induces a mass change, leading to a shift in the resonance frequency of the magnetoelastic material. Magnetoelastic biosensors find applications across various fields, including medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. In medical diagnostics, they offer rapid and sensitive capabilities for detecting pathogens, biomarkers, and toxins. For environmental monitoring, they demonstrate the ability to detect pollutants and heavy metals. Furthermore, in ensuring food safety and quality, magnetoelastic biosensors detect allergens, pathogens, and contaminants effectively. Ongoing research and technological advancements suggest that these biosensors hold great potential for revolutionizing various fields, including healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food safety, contributing to improved disease diagnosis, environmental protection, and public health. This review article provides an overview of the principles, fabrication methods, diagnosis, bacterial density, food, and agricultural applications of magnetoelastic biosensors.