In the relentless pursuit of a cure for cancer and neurological disorders, scientists have made groundbreaking strides in the development of biosensors that can detect biomarkers in body fluids with unprecedented accuracy. These innovative technologies hold the key to early detection, improved survival rates, and effective treatments for two of the leading causes of human death.
Cancer and neurological disorders are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. Biomarkers, or biological molecules that indicate the presence of a disease, are a crucial component of this strategy. By detecting biomarkers in body fluids such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, researchers can gain valuable insights into the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted treatments.
Electroanalytical biosensors and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors are two label-based and label-free techniques, respectively, that have shown remarkable promise in detecting biomarkers relevant to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These sensors offer a range of attractive features, including sensitivity, portability, and the ability to detect multiple biomarkers simultaneously.
Recent developments in electroanalytical biosensors have focused on the detection of biomarkers in breast cancer, a disease characterized by its complexity and the need for more effective early diagnostic methods. Researchers have developed sensing protocols that utilize electrochemical reactions to detect biomarkers, such as DNA and proteins, with high sensitivity and specificity.
SPR biosensors, on the other hand, have been used to detect biomarkers in AD, the most prevalent neurological disorder linked to multiple biomarkers. These sensors exploit the phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance, where light is absorbed by the sensor surface, to detect changes in the refractive index caused by the presence of biomarkers.
While these technologies hold great promise, there are still challenges to overcome before they can be clinically viable. For example, electroanalytical biosensors require careful optimization of experimental conditions to ensure accurate detection, while SPR biosensors require precise control of the sensor surface to minimize non-specific binding.
Despite these challenges, researchers are making rapid progress in overcoming these hurdles. In the past five years, numerous sensing protocols have been developed, demonstrating the feasibility of both electroanalytical and SPR-based sensors for diagnostic purposes.
The potential impact of these technologies is vast. Early detection of cancer and neurological disorders can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for patients. Moreover, these biosensors can facilitate the development of targeted treatments, reducing the need for invasive procedures and minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
As researchers continue to push the boundaries of biosensor technology, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the future. With their potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose and treat cancer and neurological disorders, these biosensors hold the key to a brighter, healthier future for all.
PHOTO CAPTION: “A biosensor detects biomarkers in body fluids, paving the way for early detection and treatment of cancer and neurological disorders.”
