Printable Electrochemical Biosensors: A Focus on Screen-Printed Electrodes and Their Application

Abstract

In this review we present electrochemical biosensor developments, focusing on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) and their applications. In particular, we discuss how SPEs enable simple integration, and the portability needed for on-field applications. First, we briefly discuss the general concept of biosensors and quickly move on to electrochemical biosensors. Drawing from research undertaken in this area, we cover the development of electrochemical DNA biosensors in great detail. Through specific examples, we describe the fabrication and surface modification of printed electrodes for sensitive and selective detection of targeted DNA sequences, as well as integration with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For a more rounded approach, we also touch on electrochemical immunosensors and enzyme-based biosensors. Last, we present some electrochemical devices specifically developed for use with SPEs, including USB-powered compact mini potentiostat. The coupling demonstrates the practical use of printable electrode technologies for application at point-of-use. Although tremendous advances have indeed been made in this area, a few challenges remain. One of the main challenges is application of these technologies for on-field analysis, which involves complicated sample matrices.

Detection of chikungunya virus DNA using two-dimensional MoS2 nanosheets based disposable biosensor

“…A practical advantage of electrochemical detection could have future implications in translating to cheap assays using single-use screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), which is an ideal tool due to their low cost, disposability and design flexibility as compared to traditional electrode materials 13–15 . Hence, SPEs serve as a transition away from the traditional cumbersome beaker-type electrochemical cells and bulky electrodes 16 .…”

Nanomaterials for molecular signal amplification in electrochemical nucleic acid biosensing: recent advances and future prospects for point-of-care diagnostics

“…To address this need, Henry and co-workers pioneered electrochemical detection in μPADs, using screen-printed electrodes for the rapid and quantitative determination of analyte concentrations. 143 Since this seminal work, a wide range of techniques have been developed to fabricate and pattern electrodes on μPADs; including screen printing and inkjet printing of conductive inks, 144 evaporation or sputtering of metals, 145 as well as "reagentless" techniques such as laser scribing. 146 Very recently, exciting advances have been made in relation to the detection of nucleic acids on μPADs.…”

Smartphone‐based clinical diagnostics: towards democratization of evidence‐based health care

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