Advanced electrochemical and sensor technologies in gastroenterology: Applications of EIS, organ-on-a-chip, and ingestible/wearable devices in chronic disease diagnosis and monitoring

Abstract

Accurate assessment of intestinal barrier function is critical to understanding a range of gastrointestinal and systemic disorders, yet traditional methods remain limited by invasiveness, low resolution, or indirect measurement. This review critically evaluates emerging electrochemical technologies that offer dynamic, quantitative, and real-time insight into epithelial barrier integrity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) provides multiparametric outputs that distinguish between tight junction disruption and morphological changes. Organ-on-a-chip platforms recapitulate physiological conditions and allow integrated sensing within complex gut models. Furthermore, electrochemical biosensors targeting biomarkers such as cytokines, metabolites, and zonulin enable sensitive detection of inflammation and permeability status. Advances in ingestible and wearable devices extend these technologies to in vivo contexts, offering non-invasive, continuous monitoring with direct clinical relevance. Importantly, the review also explores how these tools can be integrated into gastroenterology nursing practice, supporting data-driven interventions and proactive disease management. Together, these innovations represent a paradigm shift in the functional evaluation of gut health and present new opportunities for translational research and clinical care optimization.