Microfluidic biosensors for early detection of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecological malignancy, primarily because of the absence of reliable early detection methods. Microfluidic biosensors have emerged as promising platforms for rapid, sensitive, and minimally invasive detection of ovarian cancer biomarkers. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in microfluidic biosensing technologies for early ovarian cancer detection. We systematically examine various detection modalities, including electrochemical, optical, and mass-based sensors, with an emphasis on their integration with microfluidic platforms for point-of-care applications. Key biomarkers, including CA125, HE4, circulating tumor cells, exosomes, and circulating tumor DNA, are discussed in the context of multiplexed detection strategies. The review highlights critical performance metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection, and clinical validation status. Furthermore, we address current challenges, including sample preparation, standardization, and clinical translation barriers. Our analysis revealed that integrated microfluidic platforms combining multiple biomarker detection methods with advanced nanomaterials and machine learning algorithms demonstrated the greatest promise for transforming ovarian cancer screening. Future directions toward clinical implementation require standardized validation protocols, large-scale prospective studies, and regulatory pathway clarification to realize the full potential of these innovative diagnostic technologies.