Nanophotonics is converging with wearables, microfluidics and AI for point-of-care diagnostics
This review traces optical point-of-care biosensors from plasmonic materials, quantum dots, MOFs and MXenes that amplify signals and lower detection limits to integration with microfluidics, AI and the Internet of Medical Things. Discussed formats include lab-on-chip, hospital-on-chip, wearable, skin-embedded and tattoo sensors for continuous monitoring. Green nanotechnology and self-powered triboelectric systems are proposed to reduce energy and environmental burdens, while a large prototype-to-clinic gap remains.