Pathogen detection with electrochemical biosensors: Advantages, challenges and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Analytical Medicine
• Nanomaterials Science
• Biosensor Technology

Background:

• Pathogen detection (bacteria, viruses) faces challenges due to diversity and quantity.
• The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for rapid and sensitive pathogen detection methods.
• Electrochemical methods offer advantages like versatility, real-time quantification, and label-free measurements for biosensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in electrochemical biosensors for pathogen detection.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of electrochemical biosensors for bacteria and virus identification.
• To discuss various aspects including analytes, bio-recognition, transduction, fabrication, and applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on electrochemical biosensors for pathogen detection.
• Analysis of different detection principles (electrochemical, optical, etc.).
• Examination of nanomaterials, microfluidics, and amplification strategies in biosensor development.

Main Results:

• Electrochemical biosensors demonstrate significant promise for pathogen detection.
• These sensors offer versatile, sensitive, and specific detection schemes.
• The review covers diverse pathogens, bio-recognition elements, and fabrication techniques.

Conclusions:

• Electrochemical biosensors are a powerful tool for rapid and sensitive pathogen detection.
• Continued development in this area is vital for addressing global health challenges.
• Integration with other technologies enhances the capabilities of electrochemical pathogen detection systems.