Conducting polymers as a functional recognition interface to design sensors for pathogen and cancer diagnosis

Karasu, T. and Armutcu, C. and Elkhoury, K. and Özgür, E. and Maziz, A. and Uzun, L. (2024) Conducting polymers as a functional recognition interface to design sensors for pathogen and cancer diagnosis. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 175: 117705. ISSN 0165-9936

Abstract

Conducting polymers (CPs) have intriguing potential for the development of smart and electroactive interfaces. In this review, the potential for the use of CPs in the development of biosensors for pathogen and cancer diagnosis has been comprehensively summarized in the light of recent reports. In this context, a general introduction to CPs was compiled as a first section. Furthermore, the structural properties and recent synthesis strategies of mostly used CPs were given. Moreover, the most frequently used immobilization techniques and biorecognition elements are summarized depending on the functional groups in CPs. Under the next two sub-sections, recent examples are summarized in order to designate the promising potential of CPs for use in pathogen and cancer diagnosis, respectively. In conclusion, the superior properties of conductive polymers, including their advantages such as structural, physico-chemical, ease of preparation/application, and cost-efficiency are highlighted while emphasizing their unique potential in the pathogen and cancer diagnosis.