Cellulose: from biocompatible to bioactive material.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Cellulose, historically significant in papyri and paper, is now crucial in advanced paper-based technologies.
• Paper-based biosensors leverage biomolecule specificity for efficient target analyte detection.
• These devices offer advantages like low cost, speed, and ease of use, ideal for point-of-care diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current techniques for immobilizing biomolecules onto cellulose paper membranes.
• To categorize these immobilization procedures into physical, biological, and chemical approaches.
• To highlight the importance of biomolecule immobilization for paper-based biosensor development.

Main Methods:

• Overview of cellulose structural features and physicochemical properties.
• Review of existing literature on biomolecule immobilization techniques on paper.
• Categorization of immobilization methods into physical, biological, and chemical strategies.

Main Results:

• Biomolecule immobilization on cellulose is a critical step for creating paper-based biosensors.
• Various physical, biological, and chemical methods exist for this immobilization process.
• No single universal method is suitable for all paper-based biochip applications.

Conclusions:

• The choice of immobilization strategy depends on the specific requirements of the paper-based biochip.
• Effective biomolecule immobilization is essential for the performance of paper-based biosensors.
• Paper-based biosensors represent a promising diagnostic tool for resource-limited settings.