Optical sensors for transdermal biomarker detection: A review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Non-invasive health monitoring is crucial for early disease detection.
• Electrochemical sensors are established but have limitations.
• Optical sensors offer high sensitivity, selectivity, and multiplexing for biomarker tracking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in optical sensing technologies for transdermal biomarker detection.
• To explore the application of these sensors in analyzing sweat and skin gas biomarkers.
• To discuss challenges and future directions for optical sensors in non-invasive health monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on optical sensing technologies.
• Analysis of colorimetry, fluorescence, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), fiber optics, photonic crystals, and Raman spectroscopy.
• Examination of biomarker detection in sweat and skin gases.

Main Results:

• Optical sensors demonstrate high sensitivity, selectivity, cost-efficiency, and small form factors.
• Various optical technologies are applicable for detecting biomarkers in sweat and skin gases.
• Significant progress has been made in applying these sensors for health monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Optical sensors hold transformative potential for disease diagnostics.
• These sensors can significantly enhance proactive health management strategies.
• Further research into challenges and future perspectives will drive innovation in optical sensing.