Theranostic Approaches in Microbiology: A Paradigm Shift in Therapeutic and Diagnostic Advents

Abstract

Envisaging as one of the most revolutionary approaches in the medical world right now, the field of theranostics has gained a considerable amount of interest due to its novelty in synergizing two clinical goals, namely therapy and diagnosis. The aforementioned goals are of utmost importance in microbiological settings, as various pathogens are becoming more infectious and virulent as we speak (such as the infamous SARS-coronavirus). In the present review, the authors aimed to establish and acknowledge the various theranostic approaches in microbiology that are currently available in the existing literature. Particularly, the versatility and clinical strengths of theranostic nanoprobes, aggregation-induced emission luminous modified peptides, and theranostic contact lenses are discussed extensively, with a clear emphasis on their ability to diagnose and treat microbiological diseases in-vivo at the same time. Subsequently, the limitations and setbacks of such approaches will also be discussed, including their notable sophisticated test principles, economic factors, and lack of multidisciplinary control.