Eliminating Complex Matrices: A Minimalist Approach to Enzyme-Based Biosensors Using Screen-Printed Electrodes with a Packaging Strategy to Enhance Durability for Lactate Detection.

. Long-term durability tests showed stable enzymatic activity and consistent current responses over six months when electrodes were stored using a simple aluminum packaging and desiccant strategy, demonstrating that appropriate post-fabrication preservation can replace complex immobilization approaches. In the absence of appropriate packaging, the biosensors exhibited significant performance degradation, leading to underestimation of lactate concentrations after two days of storage under ambient temperature and humidity conditions. The biosensor reliably detects lactate across clinically relevant concentrations and establishes that simplifying design can enhance performance, durability, and translational potential, supporting more accessible point-of-care lactate monitoring.