A Comprehensive Study: Traditional and Cutting-Edge Analytical Techniques for the Biomarker Based Detection of the Micronutrients & POC Sensing Directions for Next-Generation Diagnostic

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiency is wide spread and highly affects morbidity, mortality, and well-being of human beings. Micronutrient deficiency gradually manifests into diseases, which effects pathophysiology directly or indirectly. There is an imprecision in the diagnosis of micronutrient deficiency because of two causes; the selection of the standard biomarker and the diagnostic technique used. In appropriate diagnosis could increase the severity of the disorder. Instead of a single a combination of biomarkers can give more stringent results for micronutrient testing. Several traditional analytical techniques are used for diagnosis but HPLC, ELISA & LCMS/MS are most sensitive and reliable methods used by CLSIA-certified labs. However, these techniques require well-equipped, centralized laboratory facilities. The diagnostic era moves toward the Point of Care Testing (POCT), a boon in emerging diagnostics, breaking all paradigms of traditional analytical techniques. POCT led us toward the development of biosensors, which encompasses many techniques like paper-based sensors, microfluidic chip, wearable devices, and smartphone-assisted diagnostics, which become more popular diagnostic tools. This outlook summarizes the micronutrients like vitamins A, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12 C, D, and E and Minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and sodium; along with its biomarkers, analytical techniques, and point of care innovation in micronutrients.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Biosensors
• GCMS
• HPLC
• lateral flow immunoassay
• LCMS
• micronutrients
• minerals
• point of care diagnosis
• vitamins

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest, financial or otherwise.

Additional information

Funding

The authors thank Nirma University for providing financial support to Raveena Udhani (NU/Ph.D./IP/21-22/1728) for JRF fellowship. The Authors are also thankful to DST-BDTD for providing financial assistance. The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Ratna Rao, Assistant Professor of English Humanities & Social Sciences, Institute of Technology, Nirma University for her assistance with language editing. Additionally, the authors would like to thank Institute of pharmacy, Nirma University for providing the necessary facilities.