Piezoelectric sensors in point-of-care testing

This paper presents a comprehensive overview of piezoelectric (PE) biosensors and chemosensors tailored for point-of-care testing (POCT) applications. Emphasis was placed on the integration of PE transducers-such as quartz crystal microbalances (QCM), bulk acoustic wave (BAW) devices, and cantilevers-with biological and synthetic recognition elements to enable sensitive, rapid, and decentralized diagnostics. Selected studies were critically evaluated based on their analytical performance, including limit of detection, dynamic range, specificity, and operational stability. Notably, the incorporation of nanomaterials and engineered PE compounds significantly enhanced signal transduction and assay sensitivity. The versatility of PE platforms in detecting diverse analytes-from infectious disease markers to cancer biomarkers-demonstrates their potential for widespread clinical deployment. The survey underscores the technological maturity and adaptability of PE POCT systems, positioning them as viable alternatives to conventional optical and electrochemical sensors.