Next-Gen Nano Biosensor Technologies to Monitor Carbapenem Resistance for Personalized Medicine

Abstract

Carbapenem resistance represents a pressing public health concern, posing significant challenges due to limited treatment options and escalating mortality rates. In India, the prevalence of carbapenem resistance among Enterobacteriaceae ranges between 18 to 31%, causing severe infections such as bloodstream infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and intra-abdominal infections. Accurate and timely diagnosis, particularly for Enterobacteriaceae producing carbapenemase, is crucial for effective clinical prophylaxis of critical care patients as they are considered as a last resort of therapy. Various genotypic and non-genotypic detection methods have been developed over the past decade, their limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity have led the exploration of innovative technologies. Advanced opportunities for carbapenem resistance detection using microfluidic-based biosensors have miniaturized various biomedical devices. This enables the use of less sample and reagents, cheap pricing, automation, screening, and improved detection. Despite ongoing research and development, the adoption of these biosensors in healthcare settings is limited due to the lack of awareness and understanding of their efficiency. Therefore, this review primarily focuses on the advantages and limitations of all biosensor-based devices over existing methods for the detection of carbapenem resistance in gram negative bacilli. These biosensors represent substantial advancements in combating carbapenem resistance, providing promise for more reliable and accurate diagnostic techniques that may eventually improve patient care and infection control.

Keywords: Biosensors; Carbapenem resistance; Gram negative bacilli; Microfluidics; Personalized medicine.