Analytical Sciences

Trends in Paper-based Electrochemical Biosensors: From Design to Application

Vivian Bee Chin LEE,* Noor Faizah MOHD-NAIM,** Eiichi TAMIYA,*** and Minhaz Uddin AHMED*

*Biosensors and Biotechnology Laboratory, Integrated Science Building, Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong BE 1410, Brunei Darussalam
**PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong BE 1410, Brunei Darussalam
***Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan

Electrochemical bio-sensing using paper-based detection systems is the main focus of this review. The different existing designs of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional sensors, and fabrication techniques are discussed. This review highlights the effect of adopting different sensor designs, distinct fabrication techniques, as well as different modification methods, in order to produce reliable and reproducible reading. The use of various nanomaterials have been demonstrated in order to modify the surface of electrodes during fabrication to further enhance the signal for subsequent analysis. The reviewed sensors were classified into categories based on their applications, such as diagnostics, environmental and food testing. One of the major advantages of using paper-based electrochemical sensors is the potential for miniaturization, which only requires relatively small amount of samples, and the low cost for the purpose of mass production. Additionally, most of the devices reviewed were made to be portable, making them well-suited for on-site detection. Finally, paper-based detection is an ideal platform to fabricate cost-effective, user-friendly and sensitive electrochemical biosensors, with large capacity for customization depending on functional needs.

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