Recent Advances in Paper-Based Biosensors Integrated with 2D Materials

This review critically examines recent breakthroughs in paper-based biosensors, with a focus on integrating two-dimensional (2D) materials to enhance diagnostic performance. Biosensors—comprising an analyte, bioreceptor, and transducer—are vital for rapid and early detection of diseases like diabetes and cancer, where timely intervention is crucial. Among various substrate options, paper stands out for its affordability, ease of fabrication, and favourable properties such as porosity and capillary action. A comparative overview of key paper substrates is provided, including filter paper, chromatography paper, cellulose paper, glass fibre paper, and specialty papers, highlighting their distinctive roles and applications in biosensor development. The review further explores how advanced 2D materials—namely graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene quantum dots, molybdenum disulphide (MoS 2 ), tungsten disulphide (WS 2 ), molybdenum diselenide (MoSe 2 ), and MXenes—when combined with paper substrates, significantly improve biosensor sensitivity, selectivity, and biomolecule immobilisation. These innovations are paving the way for the next generation of affordable, eco-friendly, and high-performance diagnostic tools. Finally, current trends and future prospects are discussed, emphasising how 2D-material-based paper biosensors are poised to transform food safety, environmental monitoring, and healthcare diagnostics. This comprehensive synthesis aims to guide researchers and practitioners towards impactful advancements in the field.