Electrochemical biosensors for rapid detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

The increasing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) necessitates rapid and accurate diagnostic tools to guide effective treatment strategies. Traditional culture-based methods are time-consuming, delaying crucial interventions and potentially contributing to the spread of resistance. Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative, providing high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid detection capabilities suitable for point-of-care applications. These platforms leverage biorecognition elements, advanced electrode materials, and the electrochemical detection of microbial products or genetic material to identify ARB. Recent advancements include the integration of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip systems for high-throughput antimicrobial susceptibility testing, significantly improving diagnostic speed and precision. This review critically examines the latest developments in electrochemical biosensing for ARB detection, highlighting key strategies such as DNA probe-based sensors and the use of nanomaterials to increase performance. It also addresses persistent challenges, including sensor reproducibility and cost-effectiveness, and explores future directions aimed at improving the clinical applicability and accessibility of these vital diagnostic technologies in the fight against antimicrobial resistance worldwide.