Overcoming Challenges in Electrochemical Sensing: Toward Continuous Monitoring

The advancement of decentralized and real-time monitoring necessitates robust electrochemical sensors that can operate continuously in complex environments. However, transitioning these sensors from laboratory prototypes to reliable field devices remains challenging due to issues like signal drift, fouling, integration constraints, and insufficient selectivity under real-world conditions. This review explores emerging strategies designed to overcome the core challenges limiting the performance and longevity of electrochemical sensors in continuous monitoring scenarios. We first examine advanced materials and surface modification techniques, including permselective membranes, biorecognition elements, including molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), nanostructures, and ratiometric sensing, that enhance selectivity and minimize interference. Antifouling coatings, self-healing electrodes, and dynamic polymer systems are discussed as key developments to counteract degradation and improve structural durability. Machine learning and chemometric approaches are presented as powerful tools for signal deconvolution, drift compensation, and adaptive calibration, with a particular focus on their integration into sensing workflows. Finally, we address system-level challenges related to sample handling, highlighting innovations in microfluidics, passive and active sampling, and hybrid platforms incorporating biosensing and separation modules. Together, these multidisciplinary strategies form a roadmap to support the translation of electrochemical sensors into reliable tools for continuous, autonomous monitoring across environmental, biomedical, and industrial applications.