A Review of Biomaterials for Developing High-Performance Immunosensors: Rigid and Flexible Platforms Publisher



N Askarzadeh NESHAT ; Aa Mehrizi Ali ABOUEI ; J Mohammadi JAVAD ; H Rabbani HODJATTALLAH ; Ho Ghourchian Hedayatollah OLAH ; F Mottaghitalab FATEMEH
Source: TrAC - Trends in Analytical Chemistry Published:2025

Abstract

Immunosensors are specialized devices that utilize antibodies to detect analytes in biological fluids. They incorporate microfluidics, nanomaterials, artificial intelligence, and wireless systems to enable precision medicine and real-time remote health monitoring. Such advancements support applications like virtual clinical trials. Conventional immunosensors, often rigid and designed for handheld, discontinuous diagnostic tests, are unsuitable for building wearable and implantable devices for continuous health monitoring and medical follow-up due to issues with sensitivity, tissue conformity, and immune response. Biomaterials, including inorganics, polymers, papers, and composites, are essential for developing both rigid or flexible immunosensor substrates and microfluidic chips. These materials are also used for the following purposes: (1) immobilizing antibodies through entrapment, covalent crosslinking, and molecular imprinting; (2) delivering biomolecules or drugs; (3) enhancing biocompatibility and modifying surface functional groups to reduce non-specific adsorption; (4) amplifying output signals using redox-active polymers. Selection of biomaterials depends on their application-specific properties like biocompatibility, stretchability, conductivity, self-healing ability, manufacturing simplicity, etc. This review comprehensively discusses the classifications and criteria of different biomaterials applicable for immunosensors. It provides guidance through tables and case studies to help researchers create high-performance immunosensors by manipulating biomaterials while addressing challenges and prospects in this fast-evolving field. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.