Voltammetric sensing of biomolecules at carbon based electrode interfaces: A review

Abstract Biomolecules are integral constituents of living beings which regulate numerous biochemical functions of the body. Analysis of various small molecules (metabolites, neurotransmitters, amino acids, vitamins) and macromolecules (nucleic acids, proteins) is of prime importance in modern time due to increasing disbalance in natural metabolism of human body. Irregularities and alteration in concentration of biomolecules lead to different kinds of genetic, metabolic and cancerous diseases which have created a great requirement of highly sensitive, accurate and stable detection systems for their quick and specific screening. In this review, redox interactions of biomolecules at carbon based electrode interfaces have been discussed using voltammetry. It is divided into subsections, starting with an introduction into the field and a description of its current state. This is followed by a large section describing carbon nanomaterials (CNs) based voltammetric sensors for different small biomolecules and macromolecules. The next section of the review gives conclusion, challenges and future perspectives in sensing biomolecules at CNs based electrodes. Advanced approaches for fabrication of portable integrated electrochemical devices for various point of care diagnostic applications have also been included at the end.