Redefining nanobiosensors in rapid detection of viral infections: Where are we now?

The development of nanobiosensors has conquered immense attention of the scientific community owing to the recent events of outbreaks. Highly targeted and responsive detection of viruses plays a crucial role in accurate and timely diagnosis of viral infections. Regardless of the numerous efforts to detect viruses, the diagnosis of viral diseases yet relay on costly and time-consuming assays. Currently, PCR based assays are frequently used methods for the detection of viral illnesses further allowing the precise diagnosis of various diseases but these techniques still suffer several limitations including long time to get results and the need for experts to run. As alternative approaches, low-cost nanobiosensors are rapid and trustworthy diagnostic systems for point-of-care diagnosis because of their high sensitivity and selectivity. Biosensing methodologies ensure sensitive and specific detection, recognition, and quantification of pathogens. Viruses can have severe economic repercussions due to its high transmissibility and rapid proliferation, which can have a significant impact on both individual and collective health. Herein, after introduction, we have summarized key contributions regarding the development in nanobiosensors for detection of viral infections induced by respiratory viruses including MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and hepatitis viruses, zika virus, dengue virus, and human papilloma virus. Moreover, vitality of rapid and emerging biosensing technologies including electrochemical, optical, and piezoelectric biosensors has been discussed in details. This review underscores the recent advances in assembling the efficient sensing devices with their figures of merits. Finally, we have outlined the benefits and drawbacks of diagnostic methods, as well as potential future research avenues.