Natural Origins, Electrochemical Precision: Plant-Based Materials in Modern Sensing Devices

Abstract

Electrochemical sensors represent a cornerstone of modern analytical technology due to their high sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response. In recent years, the integration of plant-derived materials into sensor platforms has emerged as a promising avenue to enhance sustainability, reduce reliance on synthetic components, and introduce unique biofunctionalities. Medicinal plants, rich in phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes, offer a renewable source of redox-active and surface-modifying agents. These compounds not only improve electron transfer kinetics but also confer biocompatibility and selectivity toward specific analytes. This review explores recent advances in the use of medicinal plant extracts, carbonized plant biomass, and plant-based composites for electrochemical sensing applications. Case studies highlight their role in detecting environmental pollutants, foodborne contaminants, and clinical biomarkers. Emphasis is placed on material synthesis, sensor architecture, and performance metrics, offering insight into both fundamental mechanisms and practical applications. The review also addresses current limitations and outlines future directions for scalable fabrication and regulatory integration of plant-based electrochemical sensors.