Advancements in conducting polymers based biosensor for pathogen detection

Conducting polymers (CPs) have revolutionized material science by emerging as a unique functional material class that combines the structural advantages of organic polymers with the electrical conductivity of semiconductors. Their intrinsic flexibility, environmental stability, and ease of processing make them highly attractive for a wide range of applications, from energy storage to biomedical engineering. Among these, their integration into biosensing platforms has gained significant attention for pathogen detection in food, water, and clinical diagnostics. This review presents a comprehensive summary of CPs, including their types intrinsically, extrinsically, and coordination/inorganic conducting polymers and the diverse synthesis techniques that influence their physicochemical properties. It covers their broad applications, ranging from supercapacitors and corrosion inhibition to photocatalysis and biomedical uses. The review highlights recent advancements in the design of CP-based biosensors, including enzyme-based, immunosensors, DNA sensors, and whole-cell platforms, as well as emerging approaches such as molecularly imprinted polymer systems. Special focus is given to CP-based biosensors developed for microbial pathogen detection, illustrating their sensitivity, specificity, and potential for real-time monitoring. By examining current innovations and future research directions, this review underscores the transformative impact of CPs on technology and industry, emphasizing the need for ongoing development to address existing challenges and expand their applications. CPs have emerged as versatile organic materials, offering unique electrical and optical properties. CPs are materials with electrical conductivity due to their unique structures. CP-based biosensors offer rapid, cost-effective detection of pathogens in milk, blood, and food products.