A therapeutic biosensor works by continuously converting a specific molecular binding event into a measurable electrical signal, turning drug or biomarker levels into a real-time readout instead of a single blood-draw snapshot.
signal(t) ~ [bound analyte] * transductionRate (continuous monitoring)
- Analyte molecules — the drug, metabolite, or biomarker molecules circulating at levels needing continuous monitoring.
- Biosensor capture sites — aptamer or antibody-functionalized electrode sites that specifically bind the analyte.
- Binding affinity — how tightly the sensor's recognition element holds the analyte once bound.
- Signal transduction rate — how quickly a binding event is converted into an electrical or optical readout.
Continuous therapeutic drug monitoring biosensors (like aptamer-based electrochemical sensors) are moving from lab prototypes toward wearable patches that could let clinicians titrate chemotherapy or antibiotic dosing in real time.