The field of bioanalytical detection has rapidly evolved with the emergence of highly sensitive technologies designed to identify and quantify clinical biomarkers. Recent investigations underscore the pivotal role of biomarker analysis in the early diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of cancer. Diverse biological samples, such as blood, saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, serve as reservoirs of information, guiding clinicians to meaningful outcomes and facilitating timely intervention. As cancer remains a leading global health challenge, the demand for analytical platforms that offer both high sensitivity and specificity continues to rise. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) detection has recently emerged as an innovative approach, merging the unique strengths of electrochemical and optical methods, to address the pressing need for advanced biosensing. Notably, studies have highlighted how PEC’s photo-driven amplification mechanisms markedly enhance detection limits, positioning it at the forefront of biosensor research. Progress in engineering photoactive materials, development of both label-free and label-based PEC bioassays, and diverse detection modes have expanded PEC's application spectrum, especially in the context of cancer biomarkers. However, major challenges remain, from optimizing material interfaces to improving device stability and achieving robust translation to clinical settings.

This Research Topic aims to explore the latest advancements in photoelectrochemical techniques for biosensing, with a special emphasis on technologies targeting cancer-relevant biomarkers. It seeks to illuminate the critical design factors that drive PEC performance, the innovation in device formats suitable for multiplexed and point-of-care measurements, and the scientific questions surrounding sensitivity, selectivity, and real-world applicability. By fostering the exchange of novel ideas, this Topic aspires to bridge existing knowledge gaps and stimulate translational research in bioanalytical science.

The Scope of this Research Topic encompasses fundamental and applied studies investigating photoelectrochemical methodologies for biomarker detection while placing key limitations on other, non-photoelectrochemical diagnostic approaches. To gather further insights in the field of PEC-based biosensing for cancer and other clinical conditions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Design and engineering of novel photoactive materials for PEC applications
• Development of label-free and label-based PEC bioassays
• Advanced PEC sensing devices and portable platforms
• Mechanisms of photodriven signal amplification and detection modes
• Strategies for multiplexed and point-of-care PEC detection
• Clinical validation and real-world challenges of PEC biosensors

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Innovations in Photoelectrochemical Biosensors: From Material Design to Clinical Applications