Cholesterol biosensors: A review

Cholesterol is the most important sterol synthesized by most of the human cells majorly in the liver. It is a necessary constituent of cell membranes, it acts as a precursor for the synthesis of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids. Cholesterol is transported in plasma primarily in the form of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the principal route for its removal from tissues to the liver is in high-density lipoproteins (HDL), followed by excretion in the bile. Cholesterol level is less than 200 mg/dL in healthy persons. 200 and 239 mg/dL is considered borderline high and 240 mg/dL and above is considered a biomarker for cardiovascular diseases, heart attack, strokes, peripheral arterial disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Several methods are available for detection of cholesterol, among them, most are burdensome, time-consuming, require sample pre-treatment, high-cost instrumental set-up, and experienced personnel to operate. Biosensing approach overcomes these disadvantages, as these are highly specific, fast, easy, cost-effective, and highly sensitive. The review describes the various cholesterol biosensors. Cholesterol biosensors work ideally within 1 to 300 s, in pH range, 7.0-8.6, temperature 25-37 °C and cholesterol concentration range, 0.000025-700 mM, the detection limits being in the range, 0.000002-4 mM, with working potential -0.05 to 0.65 V. These biosensors measured cholesterol level in fruit juices, beverages, sera and urine samples and reused up to 200 times over a period of 15 to 50 days, while stored dry at 4 °C (Table 1). Future perspective for further improvement and commercialization of cholesterol biosensors are discussed.