Advances in Protein Biosensors for Medical Diagnostics: Technologies, Challenges, and Applications

Protein assays play an important role in medical diagnostics and can be used for early disease screening. Traditional protein detection methods (e.g., Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Mass Spectrometry (MS), etc.) usually have limitations such as high cost, long detection time, and complex operation, which limit their application in prompt oncology testing (POCT) and mass screening. In recent years, biosensors have become an important development direction for protein detection technology due to their high sensitivity, rapid detection, portability, and real-time monitoring capabilities. This article reviews the research progress of biosensors in protein detection in recent years, focusing on the innovative applications of key technologies such as nanomaterials, highly selective biorecognition elements and intelligent and integrated biosensors. The article also analyses the advantages and challenges of current biosensors in medical diagnostics, including issues such as detection stability, anti-interference ability and compatibility of sensing platforms. Finally, the article looks into the future development trend of protein biosensors, such as the development of novel nanomaterials and biorecognition elements, multi-target and high-throughput detection and wearable smart biosensors, to promote the application in early disease screening.