Polymer nanocomposite-based biomolecular sensor for healthcare monitoring

Polymer-derived nanocomposites have gained significant attention in biosensing due to their ability to integrate the mechanical flexibility of polymers with the high electrical conductivity, large surface area and porosity, enhanced catalytic activity, and excellent biocompatibility of nanoscale materials. When combined with biomolecules, these nanocomposites form advanced polymer-bio interfaces that enhance electrochemical signal transduction, molecular recognition, and surface stability critical factors for achieving high sensitivity and selectivity in diagnostic applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in the development and application of polymer-derived nanocomposites, such as conducting polymers, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, dendrimers, and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), in the field of electrochemical biosensing. We delve into the fundamental interfacial mechanisms, including adsorption phenomena, electron transfer behavior, and catalytic activity that govern biosensor performance. The review also discusses the synthesis and functionalization of nanocomposites, sensor fabrication strategies, and mechanistic insights into their sensing/biosensing capabilities across various clinical and biomedical targets. Lastly, we evaluate key performance metrics ("figures of merit" refer to key sensing parameters such as materials, analytes, sensitivity, linear range, limit of detection (LOD), and real samples testing), address current challenges in optimizing polymer-bio interfaces, and highlight emerging opportunities for advancing next-generation diagnostic technologies.