Micromotors Meet Collective (Bio)sensing: The Asset Behind the Assay

Abstract

Micromotors are microscale devices with enormous potential for analytical (bio)sensing due to autonomous motion capabilities in extremely small sample volumes or for guided detection in localized hard-to-reach areas. These unique features enable dynamic interactions with the analytes, offering considerable promise in microscale environments and opening new avenues for on-the-fly (bio)sensing strategies. By selecting and discussing the ideas and findings behind pioneering works, we offer our perspective on the current state of the art in the field of in vitro (bio)sensing approaches based on the micromotors classified according to their detection principle: motion-based, optical, and electrochemical sensing. We will also draw attention to current challenges and opportunities that have not yet been fully explored, in a landscape that is as exciting as it is changing.