Biosensors for Disease Diagnosis

Abstract

The ever-growing need for new analytical techniques and instruments that are cheap, easy to handle, highly sensitive and fast for identification of various analytes has occasioned the increasing search for new opportunities and has given rise to a new generation of improved and novel sensors and biosensors. The current scientific chapter elaborates on the diversified biosensors used in the diagnosis and management of different diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), cancer, hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Biosensors are constructed based on the diagnostics that a disease demands. They are biocompatible and do not elicit massive hindrance in the metabolic pathways. They are classified on the basis of the activity they perform. Nanoengineered materials used in biosensors facilitate the development of economical, rapid-functioning biosensors for diagnostics. Biomarkers for AD are detected by the optical and electrochemical biosensors. For the identification of cancer, biosensors help in the detection of multiple biomarkers in a short span. Recognition of hepatitis is carried out by electrochemical DNA biosensors that help to record the electronic signals and interpret the results. In the identification of biomarkers for HIV, immunoassays and amperometric biosensors are employed. A group of biosensors including the immunosensors are used in detecting SARS-CoV-2.