An overview of stability and lifetime of electrochemical biosensors

Abstract

Electrochemical biosensors, typical devices with sensing features used to convert biochemical events into electrical signals, use an electrode, which is solid support, for the immobilization of biomolecules and electron movements. To obtain high and sensitive performance in these devices, synergistic effects are provided by improving the reactants’ mass transport and loading capacity. Several variants can be used in electrochemical biosensor design. Transduction type, molecular diagnostic element, and transforming materials must be effectively immobilized to receive the analytical signal accurately. Therefore how to choose this configuration is representative of a helpful signal. Stability and lifetime are crucial for commercial success and are increasingly adapted to various applications today. Stability is one of the key features, especially in biosensor applications that require continuous monitoring. It reports the degree of vulnerability to adverse situations in the environment and inside the device. The affinity of the bioreceptor (the degree of binding of the analyte to the receptor) and the degree of degradation are directly related to stability. Nanomaterials, such as inorganic and organic nanoparticles, conductive and insulating polymers and hybrids, are integrated into electrochemical biosensors and alternative supporting components of the electrode to improve the electrochemical properties of biosensors, alkane thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), which affect stability depending on their lengths and many new sensing elements. The approach can affect the stability of electrochemical biosensors. However, many electrochemical applications will benefit from lifetime of months to years. In this context, “operational life” refers to the time from when a sensor is used until it is no longer fit for purpose. Many internal and external factors such as polymers used, immobilization processes, temperature, and humidity determine the lifetime of electrochemical biosensors. Control of stability and lifetime is necessary for the design of electrochemical biosensors for the accurate acquisition of analytical signal results. This chapter will discuss approaches that can affect these sensors’ efficiency, stability, and lifetime characteristics. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.