Photonic and electrochemical biosensors for near-patient tests–a critical comparison

Research into diagnostic biosensors is a vibrant field that combines scientific challenge with translational opportunities; innovation in healthcare is of great societal interest and is an essential element of future healthcare provision. Photonic and electrochemical biosensors are the dominant modalities, both scientifically and commercially, yet the two scientific communities largely remain separated and siloed. It seems astute to better understand what the two fields can learn from one another so as to progress the key scientific, translational, and commercial challenges. Here, we provide an analysis of the fundamental operational characteristics of photonic and electrochemical biosensors using a classification based on energy transfer; in photonics, this separates refractive index sensors from fluorescence and vibrational spectroscopy, while in electrochemistry, it distinguishes Faradaic from non-Faradaic processes. This classification allows us to understand some of the key performance characteristics, such as the susceptibility to fouling and dependence on the clinical matrix that is being analyzed. We discuss the use of labels and the ultimate performance limits, and some of the unique advantages of photonics, such as multicolor operation and fingerprinting, and critically evaluate the requirements for translation of these technologies for clinical use. We trust that this critical review will inform future research in biosensors and support both scientific and commercial developments.