Biosensors in biomedical research: Bridging cell and tissue engineering and real-time monitoring

Abstract

Biosensing technology is essential for advancing biomedical research, enabling real-time, continuous monitoring of biomarkers to deepen our understanding of cellular and tissue behaviors within their environments. This review categorizes sensors as intracellular or extracellular types and discusses the integration of various biosensors into in vitro models. Special focus is given to electrochemical biosensors for their precision, potential for miniaturization, quantitative sensitivity, and real-time detection capabilities. We discuss how biosensors are transforming fields such as cancer research, toxicology, neuroscience, cardiovascular studies, and tissue regeneration. Biosensors play a significant role in disease modeling, drug testing, and smart wound healing systems, where continuous, non-invasive monitoring supports personalized therapeutic strategies and creates new possibilities for large-scale biofabrication. Importantly, biosensors operate in direct contact with cells or tissue, thus preserving tissue integrity during development. Integrating biosensors into in vitro models allows researchers to monitor physiological behavior, bridging critical gaps between laboratory studies and clinical applications.