Nanomaterial‐Based Electrochemical Sensors for Cell Analysis in Microphysiological Systems

Microphysiological systems (MPS) are advanced cell culture systems emerging as powerful tools for replicating human tissue‐level function in vitro. These systems provide dynamic environments for studying cellular behavior, drug responses, and disease mechanisms that have high physiological relevance. To fully realize their potential, in situ real‐time monitoring technologies are required, particularly for detecting cell‐secreted analytes and metabolic changes. Electrochemical (bio)sensors, known for their sensitivity, miniaturizability, and compatibility with microfluidics, are well‐suited for integration into MPS platforms, and nanomaterials have revolutionized electrochemical sensor design by enhancing electron transfer, surface reactivity, and biocompatibility. Examples of these nanomaterials include carbon‐based nanostructures, metal nanoparticles, hybrid nanocomposites, and conducting polymers, which enable the precise detection of analytes, such as dopamine, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, glucose, lactate, and cytokines within confined microenvironments. This review consolidates advances from 2018 to 2026 in nanomaterial‐based electrochemical (bio)sensors tailored for MPS applications, focusing on material selection, sensor architecture, and analyte specificity. Key challenges, including biofouling, long‐term stability, and multiplexing, are discussed, along with future directions encompassing standardization, AI‐assisted signal interpretation, and adaptive biosensing platforms. By bridging nanotechnology and physiological modeling, these innovations advance the development of integrated, next‐generation MPS platforms for drug screening, disease modeling, and precision diagnostics.