Hydrogel particles for biomarker detection in liquid biopsies

Abstract

In this brief review we assessed the recent progress of hydrogel materials design and processing for applications in biomarker sensing for early diseases diagnosis and potential clinical use. Three types of hydrogel platforms were identified that can be classified in the following categories: (i) fluorescence hydrogel biosensing platform, (ii) integrated electrochemical biosensor systems and (iii) synthetic core-shell hydrogel for biological specimen manipulation. In each type of these approaches, hydrogel materials were functionalized with features suitable for liquid biopsy application. These features can comprise high conductivity, biocompatibility, ease-of-use, robustness, but also anti-fouling properties. The properties of these nanomaterials will enable them into promising tools in precision medicine.