Localized surface plasmon resonance-based point-of-care testing for pediatric sepsis

Sepsis is a leading cause of child mortality worldwide, yet conventional diagnostic methods are too slow for time-critical management. This review examines the emerging role of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) technology in developing point-of-care testing (POCT) platforms for pediatric sepsis. We outline the clinical need for rapid, accurate diagnostics, then explain the physical principles of LSPR that enable label-free, sensitive detection of biomolecular interactions. LSPR-based POCT systems for sepsis are critically analyzed, including their design, target biomarkers, and performance metrics from validation studies. The potential clinical impact is evaluated in both high-resource and limited-resource settings. Finally, future directions, technological innovations, regulatory barriers, and research gaps are discussed. The evidence suggests that LSPR-POCT offers a paradigm shift, providing the speed and sensitivity needed to effectively address the diagnostic challenges of pediatric sepsis.