Biosensors for allergic diseases: Biomarker detection and monitoring

Accurate diagnosis of allergic diseases demands sensitive measurement of biomarkers, particularly specific immunoglobulin E. Although standard laboratory tests can provide this information accurately, they have not been able to keep up with the urgent need for speedy point-of-care alternatives. Biosensors, including immunosensors (antibody-antigen) and aptasensors (nucleic acid receptors), offer improved stability, reusability, and cost-effectiveness. Both types of biosensors have receptors that incorporate with transducers to produce measurable optical or electrochemical signals. This review consolidates known biomarkers for four major allergic conditions: asthma, atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis, and food allergies. It then evaluates the analytical performance of optical and electrochemical immunosensors and aptasensors employed in diagnosing and monitoring these disorders. Furthermore, the development of point-of-care biosensor platforms for allergic disease detection is discussed, emphasizing their potential to enable rapid, decentralized testing and improve patient management through accessible, real-time diagnostic solutions. The primary focus remains on sensor-based platforms capable of detecting allergic disease biomarkers, providing meaningful insights into current technological capabilities and their clinical translation.