Applications and Challenges of DNA-Based Electrochemical Biosensors for Monitoring Health: A Systematic Review

Abstract

DNA-based biosensors have emerged as cutting-edge tools with significant potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. These biosensors leverage the specificity and sensitivity of DNA interactions to detect a wide range of biomolecular targets, making them ideal for early disease detection, genetic analysis, and real-time environmental assessment. Despite their promising applications, several challenges impede their widespread adoption. Key issues include the stability of DNA molecules, which are prone to degradation under environmental conditions, and the need for enhanced specificity and sensitivity to accurately detect target molecules in complex samples. Technological hurdles in miniaturizing and integrating these sensors into portable, user-friendly devices, along with ethical concerns regarding data privacy and the misuse of genetic information, also pose significant barriers. This systematic review examines the current state of DNA-based biosensor technology, highlights the main challenges, and discusses potential strategies to overcome these obstacles. By addressing these multifaceted issues through ongoing research and innovation, DNA-based biosensors can be developed into robust tools for various applications, contributing to improved public health outcomes and environmental sustainability.