From lab to market: Challenges in translating biosensor innovations to benefit agricultural animal health.

Abstract

Early field detection of animal diseases is vital for maintaining agricultural animal health, preventing tremendous economic losses, and supporting sustainable agriculture. However, most current developments of biosensors remain confined to controlled laboratory settings and show limited translatability to real-world scenarios. Current challenges include ensuring on-site robustness, data reliability, and user-friendliness. In this review, we analyze recent successful commercial biosensors by dissecting their detection principle, reported performance, and on-site feasibility. We further discuss current advances in field-deployable platforms and next-generation technologies with high translational potential. Throughout the perspective, we highlight the state of commercial biosensors, barriers to field deployment of biosensors, and future considerations for developing innovative and on-site diagnostic tools.