A review on recent advances on biosensors in pharmaceutical industry

Abstract

Biosensors are innovative analytical devices that combine biological recognition elements such as enzymes, antibodies, nucleic acids, or cells with physical transducers to detect and quantify specific substances. In the pharmaceutical industry, biosensors have gained significant attention due to their ability to provide rapid, accurate, and cost-effective results compared to traditional laboratory techniques. Recent technological advancements have revolutionized biosensor applications through the integration of nanomaterials, microfluidic systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). Nanomaterials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and gold nanoparticles enhance sensitivity and stability, while microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices enable miniaturized, high-throughput testing with minimal sample volumes. Moreover, AI- and IoT-enabled biosensors allow real-time data collection, analysis, and personalized therapeutic monitoring. These developments have expanded biosensor use in drug discovery, quality control, vaccine development, and therapeutic drug monitoring. Wearable and implantable biosensors further contribute to personalized medicine by providing continuous, non-invasive health monitoring. Despite challenges such as cost, stability, and regulatory compliance, ongoing innovations continue to improve biosensor efficiency, scalability, and reliability. Therefore, biosensors are emerging as indispensable tools in modern pharmaceutical research, ensuring safer, faster, and more effective healthcare solutions.