Nanomaterial-mediated paper-based biosensors for colorimetric pathogen detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Infectious diseases and pandemics pose significant global health threats.
• Rapid, cost-effective pathogen detection is critical for disease prevention and control.
• Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) offer a promising platform for accessible diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the progress of nanomaterial-enhanced colorimetric paper-based biosensors for pathogen detection.
• To discuss the mechanisms, characteristics, and applications of these advanced diagnostic tools.
• To highlight current challenges and future research directions in the field.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on nanomaterial-based colorimetric paper-based biosensors.
• Analysis of sensing mechanisms, device structures, and analytical performance.
• Compilation of representative applications in pathogen detection.

Main Results:

• Nanomaterials significantly enhance signal amplification in colorimetric paper-based biosensors.
• These devices offer rapid, selective, and reliable pathogen detection with visual readout.
• Colorimetric PADs with nanomaterials are suitable for point-of-care testing (POCT).

Conclusions:

• Nanomaterial integration is key to advancing colorimetric paper-based biosensors for pathogen detection.
• These biosensors represent a cost-effective and user-friendly approach for infectious disease surveillance.
• Further research is needed to address current challenges and optimize future applications.