Biomarkers, Biosensors and Biomedicine

Abstract

The discovery of new biomarkers associated with cancer, neurological and cardiovascular diseases is necessary, since these are common, recurrent diseases considered as leading causes of death in the human population. Molecular signatures of these disorders that can be identified at the outset of their pathogenesis leading to prompt and targeted treatment may increase patient survival. Cancer is a heterogeneous disease that can be expressed differently among individuals; in addition, treatments may have a differentiated approach according to the type of malignant neoplasm. Thus, these neoplastic cells can synthesize and release specific molecules depending on the site where carcinogenesis begins. Moreover, life expectancy is increasing especially in developed countries, however, cases of neurodegenerative diseases have grown in the older members of the population. Commonly, some neurological disorders, which can occur physiologically by the process of senescence, are confused with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In addition, cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the world; studies capable of identifying, through molecular probes, the beginning of development of an atherosclerotic process can lead to early treatment to avoid an acute myocardial infarction. Accuracy in the detection of these biomarkers can be obtained through biosensors whose design has been increasingly studied to elaborate inexpensive sensory platforms capable of precise detection, even at low concentrations, of the molecule to be measured. The aim of this review is to address biomarkers to be used in diagnoses instead of invasive exams; biosensors for the specific and sensitive detection of these biological markers are also investigated.