Recent advances in electrochemical sensors for vitamin sensing: toward point-of-care micronutrient assessment

Abstract

Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are essential for maintaining normal health. Micronutrient deficiency can lead to various health complications. Assessing micronutrient levels is crucial, as early and routine micronutrient assessment and supplementation can help prevent deficiencies. Current assessment methods, such as Immunoassays, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-ultra-violet (UV) spectroscopy/fluorescence detection (FLD), liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC–MS), and similar techniques, are sophisticated, expensive, time-consuming, and require trained professionals. These limitations have prompted the development of point-of-care (POC) micronutrient screening devices that are simple, quick, reliable, and cost-effective. Electrochemical biosensors are one of the most promising analytical platforms for healthcare and other applications. This review focuses on the recent advances in electrochemical biosensors for vitamin sensing. It covers various types of electrochemical biosensors, including amperometric, potentiometric, and impedimetric biosensors, and discusses challenges associated with biosensors for potential use in healthcare as a routine vitamin assessment method.