Research Progress of Biosensors in Tumor Detection

Abstract

Early diagnosis of malignant tumors is crucial for improving the survival rate of patients, while traditional detection methods have limitations such as being highly invasive and having insufficient sensitivity. Therefore, biosensors have shown great potential in tumor detection in recent years, thanks to their advantages such as high sensitivity, rapid, and low cost. This article reviews the latest research progress of biosensors in tumor detection, with a focus on three key technologies: conductive metal-organic framework (MOF) composite material sensors, nucleic acid aptamer sensors, and nano-field-effect transistor (such as silicon nanowires, molybdenum disulfide) sensors. By leveraging their porous structure, tunable conductivity, aptamer-specific binding ability, and charge doping or electrostatic effects, they can achieve highly sensitive detection of trace tumor markers, tumor cells, nucleic acids, proteins, and other biomolecules. The significance of this research lies not only in summarizing the current state-of-the-art in biosensor technology for tumor detection but also in highlighting the potential of these technologies to revolutionize cancer diagnosis. By providing a comprehensive overview of the latest research findings, this article aims to identify the strengths and limitations of each biosensor technology, thereby guiding future research efforts to improve their performance and practicality. Furthermore, the analysis of the challenges faced by biosensors in clinical translation, such as standardized production and stability verification, is crucial for bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical application. Understanding these challenges can help researchers develop strategies to overcome them, thereby accelerating the commercialization and widespread use of biosensors in cancer diagnosis.