Nanoscale materials-based hybrid frameworks modified electrochemical biosensors for early cancer diagnostics: An overview of current trends and challenges

Abstract

Early detection and diagnostics are essential for the cure of cancer which has high mortality rate globally. In recent decades, various methods such as mammography, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), molecular imaging, endoscopy and electrochemical methods have been adopted to detect cancerous cells. All of the above-mentioned techniques have their own pros and cons, hence, there is a need of reliable and sensitive tool for pre diagnostics of cancer biomarkers. To overcome various drawbacks of traditional methods, nanotechnologies emerged out to be highly advantageous for early cancer diagnostics by detecting cancer biomarkers in their lower limits. Electrochemical biosensors are very useful tools due to their small size, portability, easy to use, requirement of small sample volume and cost effectiveness. Electrochemical biosensors can also detect low levels of target cancer biomarkers in biological fluids. Further, the use of nanomaterials in electrochemical biosensor provides high surface area, good biocompatibility, high electrical conductivity, low cost and fast analysis. Therefore, electrochemical nanobiosensors are getting increased attention for the early detection of cancer biomarkers in clinical medicines. In this review, recent advancements made in last decade (2011–2021) and modifications made in the field of electrochemical biosensors on integrating with nanoscale materials-based hybrid frameworks have been reviewed. The application of electrochemical techniques and their detection modes in cancer biomarkers detection has been focused. Further, biological, technical and clinical challenges as well as future outlook have been also discussed.