Miniaturized Microfluidic Electrochemical Biosensors Powered by Enzymatic Biofuel Cell

Electrochemical biosensors, in which enzymatic biofuel cells simultaneously work as energy power and signal generators, have become a research hotspot. They display the merits of power self-support, a simplified structure, in vivo operational feasibility, online and timely monitoring, etc. Since the concept of enzymatic biofuel cell-powered biosensors (EBFC-SPBs) was first proposed, its applications in health monitoring have scored tremendous achievements. However, the creation and practical application of portable EBFC-SPBs are still impeded by the difficulty in their miniaturization. In recent years, the booming microfluidic technology has powerfully pushed forward the progress made in miniaturized and portable EBFC-SPBs. This brief review recalls and summarizes the achievements and progress made in miniaturized EBFC-SPBs. In addition, we also discuss the advantages and challenges that microfluidic and screen-printing technologies provide to wearable and disposable EBFC-SPBs.

Automated summary

Electrochemical biosensors, utilizing enzymatic biofuel cells as energy and signal generators, have become a research hotspot due to their power self-support and simplified structure. Enzymatic biofuel cell-powered biosensors (EBFC-SPBs) have achieved tremendous success in health monitoring, but the miniaturization of portable EBFC-SPBs remains challenging. Microfluidic technology has significantly contributed to the progress of miniaturized and portable EBFC-SPBs. This review summarizes the achievements and progress in miniaturized EBFC-SPBs and discusses the advantages and challenges of microfluidic and screen-printing technologies for wearable and disposable EBFC-SPBs.