Recent advances in biosensors detecting biomarkers from exhaled breath and saliva for respiratory disease diagnosis

Biosens Bioelectron. 2025 Jan 1:267:116820. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116820. Epub 2024 Sep 29.

Abstract

The global demand for rapid and non-invasive diagnostic methods for respiratory diseases has significantly intensified due to the wide spread of respiratory infectious diseases. Recent advancements in respiratory disease diagnosis through the analysis of exhaled breath and saliva has attracted great attention all over the world. Among various analytical methods, biosensors can offer non-invasive, efficient, and cost-effective diagnostic capabilities, emerging as promising tools in this area. This review intends to provide a comprehensive overview of various biosensors for the detection of respiratory disease related biomarkers in exhaled breath and saliva. Firstly, the characteristics of exhaled breath and saliva, including their generation, composition, and relevant biomarkers are introduced. Subsequently, the design and application of various biosensors for detecting these biomarkers are presented, along with the innovative materials employed as sensitive components. Different types of biosensors are reviewed, including electrochemical, optical, piezoelectric, semiconductor, and other novel biosensors. At last, the challenges, limitations, and future trends of these biosensors are discussed. It is anticipated that biosensors will play a significant role in respiratory disease diagnosis in the future.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Biosensors; Disease diagnosis; Exhaled breath; Respiratory diseases; Saliva.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers* / analysis
  • Biosensing Techniques* / instrumentation
  • Biosensing Techniques* / methods
  • Breath Tests* / instrumentation
  • Breath Tests* / methods
  • Electrochemical Techniques / instrumentation
  • Electrochemical Techniques / methods
  • Equipment Design
  • Exhalation
  • Humans
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / metabolism
  • Saliva* / chemistry

Substances

  • Biomarkers