Purpose This study aims to critically assess recent advances in electrochemical biosensors for two essential muscle injury biomarkers – creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin (Myo). The authors compare sensing philosophies, recognition elements and nanomaterial-enabled amplification strategies, with a focus on translation barriers that limit clinical implementation. The authors also highlight two recurring debates: CK activity versus CK concentration measurements and biological versus synthetic recognition paradigms for Myo detection. Design/methodology/approach The review synthesizes findings from enzymatic sensors, immunosensors, aptasensors and molecularly imprinted polymer platforms. The authors analyze electrode architectures, immobilization chemistries and key transduction modes (voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and amperometry). The authors also evaluate the functional roles of foundational nanomaterials, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, noble metals, metal oxides and hybrid nanocomposites. Finally, the authors integrate evidence on matrix effects, biofouling and antifouling strategies and recent movement toward multiplexed, wearable and microfluidic point-of-care systems. Findings Current electrochemical platforms achieve ultralow detection limits and wide dynamic ranges through synergistic combinations of advanced nanomaterials and optimized recognition interfaces. However, performance deteriorates markedly in real biological matrices due to nonspecific adsorption, electrode passivation and instability of biomolecular receptors. While immunosensors and aptasensors offer superior specificity, synthetic receptors such as molecularly imprinted polymers provide unmatched robustness but face persistent limitations in imprinting fidelity and binding kinetics. The field is transitioning toward hybrid strategies and integrated diagnostic systems. Originality/value This review uniquely interrogates the foundational scientific debates shaping muscle injury biosensing and bridges mechanistic understanding with translational requirements. In contrast to recent reviews that broadly survey cardiac biomarker detection and acute myocardial infarction biosensor panels, the authors provide a biomarker-specific, debate-driven synthesis focused on CK and myoglobin and the authors emphasize translation-critical comparability (matrix validation, stability reporting and unit-harmonized cross-study performance summaries).
Chen et al. (Wed,) studied this question.