Device integration of electrochemical biosensors

Abstract

Electrochemical biosensors incorporate a recognition element and an electronic transducer for the highly sensitive detection of analytes in body fluids. Importantly, they can provide rapid readouts and they can be integrated into portable, wearable and implantable devices for point-of-care diagnostics; for example, the personal glucose meter enables at-home assessment of blood glucose levels, greatly improving the management of diabetes. In this Review, we discuss the principles of electrochemical biosensing and the design of electrochemical biosensor devices for health monitoring and disease diagnostics, with a particular focus on device integration into wearable, portable and implantable systems. Finally, we outline the key engineering challenges that need to be addressed to improve sensing accuracy, enable multiplexing and one-step processes, and integrate electrochemical biosensing devices in digital health-care pathways.

Electrochemical Affinity Biosensors: Pervasive Devices with Exciting Alliances and Horizons Ahead

“…Moreover, advances in microfabrication and microfluidic tecnologies have led to the development of integrated devices able to unify the sample collection, preparation, analysis, and postprocessing (known as “sample-in-answer-out” type of devices) or able to obtain multiplexed , and/or multiomic information in a minimally invasive manner.…”

“…What we do dare to say, looking back a little and being aware of their versatility, adaptability, and open nature, is that they will continue to gain more and more prominence and support in many of the societal demands that will arise. Moreover, while they indeed have a long and complex road ahead to validate their "academic qualifications" into commercially viable devices, 1,31 all indications and advances lead us to dream that someday, as is currently the case with our cell phones, we will not be able to live without them and we will consider them as faithful allies of our wellbeing. However, we must be aware that advances are still mainly taking place in research laboratories and that real-world applications are still very limited.…”

“…Electrochemical affinity bioassays have also been successfully integrated into microfluidic 25 (Figure 3b) and lateral flow (eLFA) devices (Figure 3c). 26,27 Moreover, advances in microfabrication and microfluidic tecnologies 28 have led to the development of integrated devices able to unify the sample collection, preparation, analysis, and postprocessing (known as "sample-in-answer-out" type of devices 29 ) or able to obtain multiplexed 30,31 and/or multiomic information in a minimally invasive manner.…”

“…Moreover, the development and integration of single or hybrid artificial nanomaterials (these latter endowed with synergistic effect) has led to the development of devices with antifouling properties and improved sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, and/or stability. Intrinsic properties of these nanomaterials, such as fast electron transfer, biocompatibility, and electrocatalytic and pseudoenzymatic activity, have been exploited in electrochemical affinity biosensors by using them as 31 Copyright 2023, Nature Publishing Group. (b) Reprinted with permission.…”

“…(c) Illustrative diagram of existing principles for integrating electrodes into lateral flow strips (LFS) and electrode types and modifications used in developing eLFAs. (a) Reproduced with permission 31. Copyright 2023, Nature Publishing Group.…”