Biosensor-based therapy powered by synthetic biology

Abstract

The study of synthetic biology focusing on biosensor systems has resulted from a growing interest in developing customized biological devices with desired cellular functions. Recently, biosensors have been used for a variety of medical applications such as disease diagnosis, prevention, rehabilitation, patient health monitoring, and human health management. Meanwhile, the ability to track biomarkers based on biosensors allows researchers and medical practitioners to provide patients with individualized treatment regimens and health management. Biosensors that respond to electrochemical, optical, thermal, piezoelectric and magnetic signals have been developed and utilized for various disease therapies and biomedical applications. This study reviews recent developments in biosensor-based therapeutic tools by sensing diverse biomarkers in many diseases (e.g. cancer, infections, metabolic diseases), such as physical biomarkers (e.g. pressure, temperature) and chemical biomarkers (e.g. dissolved oxygen, glucose). Additionally, we highlight the challenges and problems of biosensor-based therapeutics and possible solutions for biosensor engineering thereof. Current biosensors enable for coarsely programable personal treatment and health management, however, new sensors with optimized dose-response functions, for example, fast response and tight-control performances, could significantly boost versatile uses in medical treatment in the coming future.