Overview of CMOS image sensor use in molecular diagnostics

• This review reports on different types of molecular diagnosis using CMOS sensor.
• CMOS sensor based array fabrication and transducer implementation is described.
• Enhancement of POC diagnostics by CMOS sensor is discussed as the future directions.

CMOS sensors comprise an important tool in bioscientific applications. This review focuses on CMOS sensor-based molecular diagnostics of DNA, protein, and metabolic molecules. Herein, gene sequencing, DNA–DNA hybridization, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), protein interactions, peptide interactions, antigen–antibody (Ag–Ab) interactions, as well as glucose and cholesterol monitoring using CMOS sensors are discussed along with existing experimental outcomes. CMOS sensor based electrochemical, optical, impedance, dual, continuous, and label-free analysis and their related integration techniques are explained. Moreover, we describe the utilization of a CMOS chip in microarray fabrication, assay platform development, and transducer incorporation for molecular diagnostics. Furthermore, CMOS sensor-based point-of-care (POC) applications, other biological analyses, and the role of nanoparticles in biomolecular sensing are discussed. Future directions include information about the novel integration of CMOS sensor-based molecular diagnostic devices with a central focus towards enhancement of POC approaches. This review is helpful in creating highly sensitive, cheaper, and user-friendly biomedical devices with modern dimensions.