Electrochemical biosensors for point-of-care testing

Abstract

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is the practice of diagnosing and monitoring diseases where the patient is located, as opposed to traditional treatment conducted solely in a medical laboratory or other clinical setting. POCT has been less common in the recent past due to a lack of portable medical devices capable of facilitating effective medical testing. However, recent growth has occurred in this field due to advances in diagnostic technologies, device miniaturization, and progress in wearable electronics. Among these developments, electrochemical sensors have attracted interest in the POCT field due to their high sensitivity, compact size, and affordability. They are used in various applications, from disease diagnosis to health status monitoring. In this paper we explore recent advancements in electrochemical sensors, the methods of fabricating them, and the various types of sensing mechanisms that can be used. Furthermore, we delve into methods for immobilizing specific biorecognition elements, including enzymes, antibodies, and aptamers, onto electrode surfaces and how these sensors are used in real-world POCT settings.

Graphic abstract