Recent Progress in Micro- and Nanotechnology-Enabled Sensors for Biomedical and Environmental Challenges

Abstract

Micro- and nanotechnology-enabled sensors have made remarkable advancements in the fields of biomedicine and the environment, enabling the sensitive and selective detection and quantification of diverse analytes. In biomedicine, these sensors have facilitated disease diagnosis, drug discovery, and point-of-care devices. In environmental monitoring, they have played a crucial role in assessing air, water, and soil quality, as well as ensured food safety. Despite notable progress, numerous challenges persist. This review article addresses recent developments in micro- and nanotechnology-enabled sensors for biomedical and environmental challenges, focusing on enhancing basic sensing techniques through micro/nanotechnology. Additionally, it explores the applications of these sensors in addressing current challenges in both biomedical and environmental domains. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to expand the detection capabilities of sensors/devices, enhance sensitivity and selectivity, integrate wireless communication and energy-harvesting technologies, and optimize sample preparation, material selection, and automated components for sensor design, fabrication, and characterization.

Perspectives on recent advancements in energy harvesting, sensing and bio-medical applications of piezoelectric gels

“… 190 Based on these advantages, the exploration of piezoelectric hydrogels is of growing interest since they are biocompatible, stretchable and can stimulate endogenous “bioelectricity” to promote tissue regeneration and repair. 191 Due to the physical features of hydrogel-based piezoelectrics that mirror biological functions, these characteristics represent a major potential for integrating biological organs and electronics. It has been reported that piezoelectric hydrogels are mechanically robust and adequately stable in various environments allowing to monitor external stimuli such as pressure, strain, temperature, pH, humidity and human-motion sensing via electrical signals.…”

Optimizing crystal cut and the frequency shift of a langasite surface acoustic pressure sensor with new FEM approach

“…Lithium niobate resonators stand out with remarkable characteristics, offering them exceptionally important for acoustic applications in surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology. Their exceptional performance contributes significantly to a wide array of applications such as piezoelectricity [1], linearity [2], high-speed, and low-latency wireless communications [3], biosensors [4], and nanoparticle manipulation [5]. A comprehension of stress-induced velocity shifts is required for the precise evaluation of pressure and temperature sensors, facilitating the optimization of SAW-based devices intended for operation across diverse environmental conditions.…”

Graphene‐Based Enzymatic and Non‐Enzymatic Electrochemical Glucose Sensors: Review of Current Research and Advances in Nanotechnology

“…These types of sensors work on the principle of electrochemistry and are highly selective because of their rapid response, long term stability, wide range of analytes, and cost effectiveness. [14] Emerging technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence have further enhanced their environmental and healthcare applications. The electrochemical biosensors are categorized as enzymatic and non-enzymatic sensors.…”

“…Electrochemical sensors play an influential role in both medical and environmental diagnostics. These types of sensors work on the principle of electrochemistry and are highly selective because of their rapid response, long term stability, wide range of analytes, and cost effectiveness [14] . Emerging technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence have further enhanced their environmental and healthcare applications.…”