Green Approaches Based on Biodegradable Polymers for Sustainable Electrochemical Sensors

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Electrochemical sensors offer high sensitivity, speed, and portability, leading to widespread use in diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety.
• The reliance on non-biodegradable materials in sensor fabrication contributes to electronic waste and environmental concerns.
• There is a growing need for sustainable alternatives in sensor development that align with green chemistry principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in green electrochemical sensors utilizing biodegradable polymers.
• To explore the potential of cellulose, chitosan, alginate, and starch as sustainable materials for electrochemical sensing.
• To highlight the applications and future prospects of biodegradable polymer-based electrochemical sensors.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on biodegradable polymers (cellulose, chitosan, alginate, starch) for electrochemical sensor applications.
• Analysis of the chemical structures, properties, and functions of these biopolymers as sensing matrices and electrode modifiers.
• Systematic review of applications in detecting pharmaceuticals, biomolecules, pathogens, heavy metals, pesticides, and pollutants using various electrochemical techniques.

Main Results:

• Biodegradable polymers like cellulose and chitosan serve as effective matrices and modification materials for electrochemical sensors.
• These green sensors demonstrate successful applications in detecting a wide range of analytes, including pollutants and biomolecules.
• Integration with nanomaterials further enhances sensor performance, improving sensitivity, selectivity, and stability.
• Various analytical techniques such as voltammetry, amperometry, and spectroscopy are employed.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable polymers offer a sustainable pathway for developing next-generation electrochemical sensors.
• These materials balance high sensing efficiency with a reduced environmental footprint, supporting green chemistry and green analytical chemistry.
• The use of biopolymers in electrochemical sensing promotes environmentally responsible analytical technologies.