Biosensing for Autoimmune Chronic Disease—A Review

Although relatively rare, affecting 10% of the general population, autoimmune disorders are causative linked with chronic diseases and morbidity. Control of the course of the disease is closely dependent on the ability to monitor its onset, as well as its response to treatment. In the present report, we review the progress in the development of biosensor-based approaches and related tools for the point-of-care diagnosis and monitoring of biomarkers related to several autoimmune diseases, such as myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic erythematosus lupus, Crohn’s disease, diabetes mellitus, Behcet’s disease and celiac disease. Various biosensing technologies are discussed, including electrochemical, optical and mechanical ones, along with the use of advanced nanomaterials and immobilization techniques for the biorecognition elements. The need for innovative devices with unique features of rapid, low-cost, real-time detection is discussed in the context of preventing permanent (i.e., nonreversible) organ and tissue damage from chronic autoimmune diseases.