Cell-based biosensors: Recent trends, challenges and future perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Biosensor Technology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Living cells have been employed as biorecognition elements (bioreceptors) in biosensors since the 1970s.
• Cells offer advantages over purified enzymes and antibodies, including flexibility, lower cost, and simpler fabrication.
• Advancements in synthetic biology, microfluidics, and lithography have driven significant progress in cell-based biosensor design over the past five years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in the fabrication of cell-based biosensors for diverse applications.
• To discuss the challenges hindering the large-scale implementation of these biosensors.
• To explore future trends and potential improvements for cell-based biosensor technology.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies published within the last five years on cell-based biosensor fabrication.
• Analysis of emerging technologies like 3D cell culture, microfluidics, and microelectrode arrays (MEAs).
• Examination of applications ranging from disease modeling to drug toxicity assessment and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Main Results:

• Cell-based biosensors have evolved into multi-parametric devices for real-time monitoring, moving beyond simple analyte detection.
• Integrated systems like 3D cell cultures and cardiomyocyte MEAs offer new insights into physiology and drug effects.
• Applications include high-throughput screening, antimicrobial testing, and microbial fuel cell biosensors.

Conclusions:

• Cell-based biosensors show significant potential for various applications, driven by recent technological innovations.
• Key challenges include improving cell regeneration, storage life, managing population heterogeneity, reducing interference, and lowering accessory costs.
• Addressing these challenges is crucial for realizing the full potential of cell-based biosensors in broader applications.