Precision Design of Single-Atom Catalysts for High-Performance Biosensors

Biosensors are crucial in fields like diagnostics but face challenges in sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. Single-atom catalysts (SACs), with atomically dispersed metalsites and precise active centers, provide high catalytic activity that can address these issues. However, their poor biocompatibility hinders integration. Through tailored design, SACs can achieve both high catalysis and biocompatibility. A systematic review connecting their atomic structure to biosensing performance is still needed. This review fills that gap by analyzing recent SAC-based biosensors. It explains how SAC structure governs sensing in electrochemical, colorimetric, electrochemiluminescence, and photoelectrochemical platforms, highlighting improved real-sample performance. Challenges in synthesis and application are discussed, along with future directions for advancing biosensing via single-atom catalysis.