Paper electrodes for bioelectrochemistry: Biosensors and biofuel cells

Paper-based analytical devices (PAD) emerge in the scientific community since 2007 as low-cost, wearable and disposable devices for point-of-care diagnostic due to the widespread availability, long-time knowledge and easy manufacturing of cellulose. Rapidly, electrodes were introduced in PAD for electrochemical measurements. Together with biological components, a new generation of electrochemical biosensors was born. This review aims to take an inventory of existing electrochemical paper-based biosensors and biofuel cells and to identify, at the light of newly acquired data, suitable methodologies and crucial parameters in this field. Paper selection, electrode material, hydrophobization of cellulose, dedicated electrochemical devices and electrode configuration in biosensors and biofuel cells will be discussed. •Paper-based materials offers news opportunities for printing bioelectrodes.•Porosity and hydrophillicity of paper could be fine-tuned.•Paper as matrix for fluidic channel, electrodes printing and immobilisation.•Paper is a low cost disposable material for single use biosensors or biofuel cells.