Applications of biosensors in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive and irreversible cognitive decline. Currently, it affects 36 million people and due to population ageing it is estimated that in 2030 disease incidence will reach 60 million individuals. The precise diagnosis of AD is still a complex task, being mainly performed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis or neuroimaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Despite being effective these techniques are expensive, time-consuming and not accessible for most part of the population. In this scenario biosensors are presented as promising alternatives for simple, rapid and low cost diagnosis of AD. In this revision we summarize the recent advances on biosensors that brings more accessibility to AD diagnosis. We introduce the most used biorecognition elements in miniaturized biosensing systems as well as AD biomarkers present in CSF, in plasma and in genetic material which can be used for disease identification even in early stages. The recent developed biosensors for AD diagnosis using optical, electrochemical and colorimetric techniques as well as their strategies and analytical performances are discussed. Advancements in signal amplification methodologies with nanomaterials to increase biosensors sensitivity are also presented. This review highlights the potential of biosensors to be used as an accurate and portable tool to improve the early AD diagnosis.