Advancements in Titanium Dioxide Nanotube-Based Sensors for Medical Diagnostics: A Two-Decade Review

Abstract

Over the past two decades, titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO₂ NTs) have gained considerable attention as multifunctional materials in sensing technologies. Their large surface area, adjustable morphology, chemical stability, and photoactivity have positioned them as promising candidates for diverse sensor applications. This review presents a broad overview of the development of TiO₂ NTs in sensing technologies for medical diagnostics over the last two decades. It further explores strategies for enhancing their sensing capabilities through structural modifications and hybridization with nanomaterials. Despite notable advancements, challenges such as device scalability, long-term operational stability, and fabrication reproducibility remain. This review outlines the evolution of TiO₂ NT-based sensors for medical diagnostics, highlighting both foundational progress and emerging trends, while providing insights into future directions for their practical implementation across scientific and industrial domains.

Keywords: device scalability; fabrication reproducibility; long-term operational stability; sensing technologies; titanium dioxide nanotubes.

Figure 1

The sensing mechanism of the TiO₂ NT/PDA/N-GQD/GOx dual-electron-acceptor biosensor (Reproduced with permission [68]).

Figure 2

Schematic representation of the fabrication process for N-doped carbon-coated TiO₂ NT arrays (Reproduced with permission [72]).

Figure 3

(a) Schematic representation of the sandwich-type immunoassay designed for the detection of human cardiac troponin I (cTnI); (b) fluorescence micrographs depicting arrays of 900 nm-long transparent TiO₂ NTs on Kapton substrate, exposed to cTnI concentrations of 0 µg/mL (control, left) and 10 µg/mL (right); (c) fluorescence micrographs showing functionalized arrays of 5 µm-long transparent TiO₂ NTs on Kapton, subjected to cTnI concentrations of 0 µg/mL (control, left) and 0.1 µg/mL (right) (Reproduced with permission [22]).

Figure 4

(I) Schematic representation of the construction process for the enhanced cathodic ECL system and (II) ECL system’s plication in PSA detection (Reproduced with permission [64]).

Figure 5

Schematic representation of a polyaniline–titania NT-based electrochemical biosensor strip engineered for the sensitive and selective detection of SARS-CoV-2 through specific antigen–antibody interactions (Reproduced with permission [78]).

Scheme 1

Schematic representation of synthesis procedures, properties, and biomedical applications of TiO₂ NTs.

Scheme 2

Multifaceted applications of TiO₂ NTs in medical diagnostics.

Scheme 3

Schematic representation of challenges and future scope of TiO₂ NTs in biomedical applications.