Nanoengineered electrochemical biosensors: a next-gen technology in cancer biomarker detection

Abstract

Cancer remains a critical global health concern, affecting individuals across all age groups and claiming millions of lives annually. Early detection is essential, as it significantly improves prognosis and enhances survival rates. However, conventional diagnostic techniques, despite their accuracy, are often expensive, time-consuming, and inaccessible in remote or resource-limited areas. Moreover, diagnostic errors estimated to occur in 1% to 6% of cases are exacerbated by factors such as delayed detection, disease progression, and anatomical complexities. Electrochemical biosensors, a subset of point-of-care (PoC) technologies, offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative for early cancer detection. Their real-time analytical capabilities, combined with portability and ease of use, make them particularly suitable for rapid clinical decision-making and accessible cancer screening, especially in underserved settings. This review explores recent advancements in electrochemical biosensors for cancer detection, with an emphasis on the integration of advanced materials and nanotechnology into sensor platforms. The incorporation of diverse biomarkers, including DNA, RNA, and protein-based targets, into electrochemical sensors enhances diagnostic precision, sensitivity, and specificity. This approach provides valuable guidance for researchers in selecting accurate, application-specific biomarkers for advanced sensing technologies. The geometry and surface chemistry of the electrode play a critical role in determining the sensitivity and efficiency of electrochemical sensors. Optimized designs, such as disc-shaped and microneedle electrodes, along with tailored parameters like gap size and film thickness, significantly improve electroanalytical performance. Furthermore, this review presents an in-depth analysis of the commercial landscape and highlights emerging biomolecules associated with electrochemical biosensors. It evaluates their global market potential and their capacity to revolutionize cancer diagnostics. Electrochemical biosensors represent a promising convergence of technological innovation and clinical accessibility, offering advanced and practical solutions for early cancer detection. By enabling sensitive, specific, and cost-effective analysis of biological markers, these biosensors hold substantial promise for improving diagnostic accuracy and facilitating timely therapeutic intervention.