Promising nanomaterials for biosensing applications: a review of nanomaterials, sensor design strategies, and sensing mechanisms

Abstract

Biosensors are analytical devices that integrate a biological sensing element with a transducer to detect chemical substances. They are pivotal in various fields including medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety due to their specificity, sensitivity, and rapid response times. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of biosensor technologies, including their classifications, mechanisms, key components, applications, and recent advancements. The paper also seeks to explore current challenges and future prospects in the field. Biosensors are primarily classified into electrochemical, optical, piezoelectric, and thermal types based on the transduction method. Common biological sensing elements include enzymes, antibodies, nucleic acids, and cells. Applications span across glucose monitoring, disease detection (e.g., cancer and infectious diseases), environmental pollutant sensing, and food quality assessment. Recent advancements include miniaturization, integration with nanotechnology, and development of wearable and implantable biosensors. Challenges include ensuring stability, reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness for commercial deployment. Biosensors represent a dynamic and rapidly evolving field with vast interdisciplinary potential. While challenges remain, continued innovation is expected to enhance their utility and integration into everyday applications, particularly in personalized healthcare and real-time environmental monitoring.