Recent advances in nanomaterial-based biosensors for testosterone detection.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Steroid hormones, particularly testosterone, are vital for human health, with abnormal levels linked to various diseases.
• Accurate testosterone detection is challenging due to its low physiological concentration (pg mL⁻¹).
• Nanomaterials offer enhanced sensitivity and specificity for biosensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review existing biosensor platforms for testosterone detection.
• To highlight the role of diverse nanomaterials in improving biosensor performance.
• To discuss the potential of these biosensors for point-of-care applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on testosterone biosensors incorporating carbon and metal-based nanomaterials.
• Analysis of optical and electrochemical detection methods.
• Classification of biosensors based on receptor materials and nanomaterial integration.

Main Results:

• Nanomaterials significantly enhance the sensitivity and specificity of testosterone biosensors.
• Optical and electrochemical methods are prevalent due to their speed and ease of use.
• Various nanomaterials (e.g., carbon, metal) are employed, influencing sensor efficiency and detection limits.

Conclusions:

• Nanomaterial-enhanced biosensors are critical for sensitive testosterone detection.
• Future research should focus on developing robust point-of-care devices for on-site testosterone monitoring.
• This review provides a valuable resource for advancing testosterone biosensing technologies.