Engineered Biomarkers for Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Early diagnosis is essential for managing diseases and improving patient outcomes. Traditional diagnostic biomarkers are often limited by inadequate sensitivity and specificity, vulnerability to external influences, and difficulties in early-stage detection. Engineered biomarkers that integrate bioengineering, chemistry, and nanotechnology can amplify detection signals by exploiting disease-associated characteristics. This approach overcomes the limitations of traditional biomarkers and enables early disease diagnosis. Combining point-of-care (POC) platforms with engineered biomarkers offers rapid results for timely medical decision-making. Additionally, the portability of POC platforms enables their use in various settings, including clinics, emergency rooms, and homes, enhancing accessibility for patients in remote areas or those with limited mobility. This platform can also streamline the detection process and reduce the complexity of traditional diagnostic procedures. This review explores the latest design advancements and applications of engineered biomarkers for various diseases from the perspective of POC detection methods. It thoroughly examines how these biomarkers improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic techniques, the challenges of clinical transformation, and future research directions. This article aims to inspire the development of more advanced POC detection platforms for engineered biomarkers, promoting their application in future disease diagnostics and advancing personalized medicine.