Autonomous biochemical sensors are analytical devices that autonomously and continuously detect and quantify specific biochemical parameters, such as disease markers for patient-individualized health management or chemical changes in soil or water for environmental management. They detect the chemical of interest using tailored physicochemical transducers or bio-based sensors employing enzymes, antibodies or even engineered living cells. These sensors are designed to operate and report findings independently, without the need for human intervention. They employ wireless communication and energy harvesting, through self- sustaining power sources such as biofuel cells,72 to enable real-time continuous monitoring. As data from these sensors can be retrieved remotely, they are suitable for applications in difficult-to- reach areas or remote locations. This enables the continuous monitoring of human health as well as environmental conditions. While typical sensors, such as well-known COVID-19 tests, are single-use, the challenge in autonomous biochemical sensing is to achieve continuous monitoring and electronic data capture. Such technical limitations have restricted autonomous biochemical sensors to very specific applications. The most successful to date is the wearable glucose sensor, which measures glucose concentration in real time and communicates with a smartphone73 that controls an insulin pump to stabilize glucose levels. Some of the biggest companies investing in the development and manufacturing of such technologies include Abbott Laboratories, Roche and DuPont. Due to simultaneous advancements in materials science, nanotechnologies, bio-mimetics and wireless technologies, autonomous biochemical sensing is emerging to address other targets and applications. An example is the inclusion of an active-reset function in a wearable sensor for inflammation markers, enabling continuous monitoring instead of a single use.74 US-based Persperity Health is developing wearables for continuous monitoring of female hormones for ovulation tracking, fertility treatments and menopause care. In ongoing development are microbial whole- cell biosensors, employing microbes that produce or deplete an enzyme when they encounter what they are targeted to detect, that enzyme being their means of signalling “detection”. These emerging forms of this technology have the potential to transform the lives of many people requiring continuous monitoring of specific health conditions. Processes for food safety and environmental monitoring, particularly for early detection of contamination, could also lead to significant social and environmental benefits. Many sensors still have short lifespans, requiring regular replacement. However, new generations of sensors are likely to see improvements that reduce costs. Microbial whole-cell biosensors face additional regulatory hurdles and ethical challenges compared to conventional medical or environmental sensing devices, as they are genetically engineered biological organisms with the potential for environmental release.Katherine Daniell Director and Professor, School of Cybernetics, Australian National University Wilfried Weber Scientific Director and Professor for New Materials, Leibniz Institute for New Materials Establish ethical guidelines for biological sensors – Develop clear industry standards for privacy, data ownership and biological safety in partnership with bioethics organizations and regulatory bodies.Ecosystem readiness map Boxed Icons Conduct public demonstrations of non-invasive applications – Showcase environmental and agricultural applications of biochemical sensing to build public comfort with the technology before expanding to healthcare use.KEY ACTIONS TO ACHIEVE SCALE TechnologicalSocial Economic EnvironmentalPolicy Image: Autonomous biochemical sensors enable continuous, remote health and environmental monitoring using self-powered, wireless, bio-based technologies. Credit: Midjourney and Studio Miko. Prompt (abbreviated): “Microbe floating above a micro piece of technology.” Read more: For more expert analysis, visit the autonomous biochemical sensing transformation map. Authored by: Dermont Diamond. Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 25