Zeitschrift für molekulare Biomarker und Diagnose

Salivary Diagnostics in Pediatrics and the Status of Saliva-Based Biosensors

Abstract

Akshaya Upadhyay*

Because of their ease of use, on-site application, non-invasiveness, and most likely improved patient compliance, salivary biomarkers are increasingly being used as an alternative to diagnose and monitor the progression of various diseases. The role of salivary biosensors in the general population is highlighted here, followed by the use of saliva as a diagnostic tool in the paediatric population. We looked in the literature for paediatric applications of salivary biomarkers, specifically in children aged 0 to 18. These biomarkers are used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, developmental disorders, oncology, neuropsychiatry, respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal disorders, and oral diseases. Salivary proteins have four major applications as biomarkers: dental health, gastrointestinal conditions, metabolic conditions, and respiratory conditions. Other classifications for biosensing based on the type of biomarkers used include genomics, metabolomics, microbiomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics.