Efficient diagnosis of cancer using biosensing of circulating tumor DNAs(ctDNA): Recent progress and challenges

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, which can form tumors in various parts of the body. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) refers to small fragments of DNA released by tumor cells into the bloodstream, which can be used as a important biomarker for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring. However, the high fragmentation and low concentration of ctDNA in the blood make it difficult to detect, and highly sensitive and specific methods have been developed to detect traceable mutant DNA. There are several conventional methods to detect ctDNA, but the limitations of these methods have led to the development of innovative methods for ctDNA detection. This review article summarizes the recent developments and advancements in the field of biosensors for the detection of ctDNA. Various biosensing platforms, including electrochemical, optical, nanotechnology-based sensors, and other related technologies such as PEC and piezoelectric sensors, have been surveyed for ctDNA detection.. The article discusses the design, fabrication, and analytical performance of these biosensors, as well as their potential applications in clinical analysis. Also, applications of advanced nanomaterials on the performance of various biosensing strategical of ctDNA were discused. Additionally, the challenges and future prospects of ctDNA biosensors are also discussed, highlighting the potential for continued development and refinement of these devices for improved early cancer diagnosis and prognosis.