Paper-Based Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors as Supporting Tools for Healthcare Management and Clinical Diagnosis

Paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors are increasingly being recognized as appealing and valuable analytical tools in various fields, due to their sustainable and environment-friendly attributes. Recent advancements in the design and functionality of these (bio)sensors have revealed significant advantages, making them valid candidate in diagnostic device fabrication. For instance, they can be easily integrated within lateral-flow and vertical microfluidics, enhancing the performance and versatility of these tools. Furthermore, paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors have been developed to serve as reservoirs for advanced (bio)sensing applications, providing multiple functionalities. Indeed, the paper substrate can effectively be exploited to hold reagents needed for the measurements and to preconcentrate target analytes for sensitivity enhancing, opening new routes for innovation in sensor technology. Leveraging these multiple properties, paper can provide innovative and smart electrochemical (bio)sensors, delivering cost-effective, sustainable, and user-friendly point-of-care analytical platforms for applications in the biomedical field. In this book chapter, we analyze and highlight the most relevant paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors applied in the biomedical field, offering a picture of the key benefits that paper offers to deliver promising solutions in the evolving landscape of diagnostic sensing technologies.