Signal amplification strategies in electrochemical biosensors via antibody immobilization and nanomaterial-based transducers

Abstract

The electrochemical biosensor has higher sensitivity and selectivity and has the potential to facilitate rapid detection for the diagnosis of diseases. Sample preparation, detection time, and real-time sensing are some of the major limitations associated with the detection of disease, especially in the early stages. Because of their enhanced selectivity, superior signal-to-noise ratios, and the necessity of extremely tiny sample quantities, electrochemical biosensors have become a stepping stone for early disease diagnosis in recent years. The combination of materials science and electrochemistry has decisively contributed to the field of developing highly sensitive electrochemical sensors. A tremendous amount of research has been carried out on various sensing techniques associated with the modification of an electrode based on nanocomposites and the correct immobilization of antibodies. Immobilization of affinity ligands and incorporation of an appropriate material in the transducer for enhanced signalling are the key attribute for developing an electrochemical sensor to overcome the limitations discussed above. This review describes the challenges and various strategies for signal amplification of sensors that lead to higher sensitivity via antibody immobilisation techniques and nanocomposite materials in electrochemical biosensor development.