Advancements in Liquid Biopsy Technologies for Non-Invasive Detection of Placental Dysfunction and Perinatal Complications: Focus on cfDNA, cfRNA, and Extracellular Vesicles

The advent of liquid biopsy technologies has revolutionized the non-invasive monitoring of various medical conditions, including complications during pregnancy. Fetal and placental health are crucial to maternal and neonatal outcomes, yet many of the conventional diagnostic techniques for detecting placental dysfunction and perinatal complications, such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction, are invasive or pose a risk to the fetus. Liquid biopsy offers a promising alternative by using biomarkers such as cell-free DNA, cell-free RNA, and extracellular vesicles to provide a non-invasive, real-time, and dynamic assessment of placental and fetal health. This review discusses the advancements in liquid biopsy technologies, with a focus on their potential for early detection, monitoring, and understanding of placental dysfunction and perinatal complications.