Progress in graphene-integrated nanosensors for the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV)

This review highlights the recent progress in graphene-integrated nanosensors for the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV), a major global health challenge and primary etiological factor for cervical and other anogenital cancers. While conventional diagnostic methods remain effective, they require centralized laboratory infrastructure and skilled personnel, limiting widespread screening, especially in low-resource areas. Graphene-integrated nanosensors represent a promising advancement in HPV detection due to their exceptional electrical, mechanical, and optical properties. Leveraging graphene’s high surface-to-volume ratio and electrical conductivity, these sensors achieve ultralow detection limits and rapid response times, enabling point-of-care diagnostics. Various graphene derivatives, including graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and graphene quantum dots, have been explored to enhance sensor specificity and sensitivity. Electrochemical sensors based on graphene composites demonstrate remarkable analytical performance, rivaling traditional PCR methods, and offer potential advantages in accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Emerging sensor platforms, such as graphene field-effect transistors and fluorescence-based graphene quantum dots, further expand detection capabilities and simplify integration with portable diagnostic devices. Nevertheless, graphene nanosensors still face challenges related to reproducibility, specificity, and sensor stability. Future research must address these issues and validate clinical applicability extensively. Graphene-based nanosensors ultimately hold significant promise for transforming HPV diagnostics, particularly for early detection in resource-limited settings, thus contributing substantially to global cervical cancer prevention efforts.