Emerging bismuth vanadate-based biosensor platforms for diagnostic, imaging, therapeutic and antibacterial applications

BiVO₄ nanostructures are n-type semiconductor photocatalysts with a narrow band gap that is sensitive to visible light. This photocatalytic property, along with unique electrochemical properties, remarkable biocompatibility, tunable surface chemistry, ease of synthesis and facile morphology tuning, has made them attractive candidates in the field of biosensor platforms. These biosensors offer highly sensitive, point-of-care, non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic applications for various conditions like neurological disorders, multiple tumours and some pathological conditions. Additionally, these materials have gained attraction in imaging-guided therapeutic and diagnostic imaging platforms, such as up- and down-conversion imaging, CT, MRI, photoacoustic and multimodal imaging platforms. Along with that, visible light-driven reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by these materials has been applied for photocatalytic disinfection by ROS-mediated killing of bacteria. These applications are crucial for removing dangerous strains of bacteria and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review article highlights the recent advancements in BiVO₄-integrated biosensor platforms in diagnostic, therapeutic, imaging and bactericidal applications. The modification and engineering strategies adopted for better suiting BiVO₄ for particular applications are discussed in detail. The challenges in addressing their material stability, biocompatibility and clinical translation are discussed with more emphasis on the potential of BiVO₄ in integrated diagnostic, imaging and therapeutic applications.