Mobile phone-based biosensing: An emerging "diagnostic and communication" technology

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Mobile Health (mHealth)

Background:

• Mobile phones offer advanced capabilities like cameras and connectivity.
• Biosensing technology has advanced significantly, enabling sensitive detection.
• Coupling mobile devices with biosensors creates portable analytical tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent developments in mobile phone-based biosensing.
• To explore the integration of diagnostics and communications in portable devices.
• To highlight the potential of these technologies in various monitoring applications.

Main Methods:

• Overview of optical and electrochemical biosensing methods.
• Discussion of various adapter designs for mobile device integration.
• Review of existing literature on mobile phone biosensor applications.

Main Results:

• Mobile phones enable user-friendly, portable, and robust biosensing.
• Paper-based platforms are a prominent example of this integrated technology.
• Diverse biosensing possibilities are demonstrated, from optical to electrochemical.

Conclusions:

• Mobile phone-coupled biosensing facilitates at-any-time, anywhere (bio)assays.
• Future opportunities exist in health diagnostics, safety, and environmental monitoring.
• This technology promises accessible and efficient analytical solutions for widespread use.