Advances in Optical Biosensors: Bridging Optical Science and Biomedical Engineering with Biological Recognition Elements

Optical biosensors, characterized by their integration of optical science with biological recognition, have garnered significant attention in biomedical engineering. This study explores their theoretical principles, design strategies, and application breadth through a review of 20 recent publications. It categorizes advancements across techniques such as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Evanescent Wave Fluorescence (EWF), Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS), and Photonic Crystal Cavities (PCC), focusing on performance metrics like sensitivity, specificity, and detection limits. The research highlights their transformative role in diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and personalized healthcare. The findings underscore SPR and SERS as pivotal for high-sensitivity molecular detection, while emerging technologies like portable and implantable sensors extend utility to real-time and point-of-care applications. Challenges such as non-specific binding and matrix interference remain, prompting ongoing efforts in nanotechnology and AI integration. The work concludes with a forward-looking perspective on optical biosensors as vital tools for precision medicine, sustainable practices, and interdisciplinary innovation in biomedical science.