Recent advances in phosphatases as new biomarker in personalized medicine

Phosphatases are pivotal in regulating phosphorylation homeostasis by catalyzing biomolecular dephosphorylation, thereby modulating signaling pathways, metabolic networks, and cellular functions. Dysregulation of phosphatase activity is implicated in diverse pathologies, including hepatobiliary dysfunction, metabolic bone disorders, prostate cancer, and lysosomal storage syndromes. This review aims to critically evaluate optical biosensing strategies for phosphatase detection, with emphasis on isoform-specific diagnostics and clinical applicability.

A comprehensive analysis was conducted on emerging optical biosensing platforms, including nanomaterial-assisted colorimetric assays, ratiometric fluorescence sensors, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). These modalities were assessed against key clinical criteria such as sensitivity, isoform specificity, multiplexing capability, and regulatory feasibility.

Optical biosensors demonstrate significant advancements over conventional p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP)-based assays, offering enhanced sensitivity, substrate stability, and isoform discrimination. Specific applications include detection of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in oncology, lysosomal acid phosphatase in neurodegenerative conditions, and alkaline phosphatase in bone and liver pathologies. These platforms show promise for integration into theragnostic systems and digital health infrastructures.

Optical biosensing technologies represent a transformative approach to phosphatase detection, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive analytics in precision diagnostics. Their integration into clinical workflows could facilitate early disease detection, personalized treatment strategies, and improved patient outcomes.