Redefining antibody cross-reactivity as an advantage for sensing and diagnostics

Cross-reactivity is viewed as a highly undesirable property of antibodies, with efforts focused on achieving high specificity and minimal crosstalk. Yet, in selective arrays, cross-reactivity can be a strength. The ability to bind to a range of antigens can be powerful if used strategically to distinguish complex samples. Chemometric and chemolfactory arrays rely on cross-reactivity to deliver powerful assays with capabilities that often outperform those of specific assays. Here, we argue that there is a unique opportunity to exploit the cross-reactivity of antibodies by using them in array similar to the mode of chemolfactory arrays. Embracing this shift could transform biosensing, offering scalable tools for multiplexed detection, especially in settings where speed, cost, and adaptability are critical.