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Nano-Carbon Biointerfaces in Biosensors for Cancer: A Scoping Review Mapping the Transition from Proof-of-Concept to
Barbara R Geraldino1, Nilséia A Barbosa1, Priscila M Galdino1
1Nuclear Engineering Department, Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Praça General Tibúrcio 80, Urca, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, RJ, Brazil.
Biosensors
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Nano-carbon biosensors show promise for cancer detection, but clinical translation is hindered by inconsistent reporting and validation. This review proposes a checklist and roadmap to improve reproducibility and clinical readiness for these advanced diagnostic tools.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Nano-carbon materials offer versatile platforms for detecting cancer biomarkers.
- Clinical translation of these biosensors from proof-of-concept to diagnostics remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the evidence landscape of nano-carbon biosensors for cancer detection.
- To identify bottlenecks hindering clinical translation and propose solutions.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of 191 primary studies (2024-2026) on nano-carbon families, surface chemistries, transduction, matrices, and translational endpoints.
- Analysis of nano-carbon dimensionality, material architecture, biointerface chemistry, and matrix context impact on performance.
- Evaluation using a Translational Readiness Matrix.
Main Results:
- Evidence spans zero-D (carbon dots, quantum dots), 1-D (carbon nanotubes), 2-D (graphene), and 3-D (hybrid composites) nano-carbons.
- Analytical sensitivity is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, not solely dimensionality.
- Approximately 67% of studies were at Low Evidence Level, with only 10% at Strong Evidence Level.
- Key translation bottlenecks include reproducibility, real-matrix validation, clinical evidence, manufacturing data, and regulatory planning.
Conclusions:
- Nano-carbon biosensor performance is multifactorial, requiring careful optimization beyond material dimensionality.
- Significant gaps exist in reporting, validation, and clinical evidence, impeding translation.
- A proposed reporting checklist and validation roadmap aim to enhance reproducibility, comparability, and clinical utility.
