Vol.:(0123456789) 1 3 Monatshefte für Chemie - Chemical Monthly https://doi.org/10.1007/s00706-023-03113-z REVIEW Electrochemical sensors: basic principles, engineering, and state of the art Heru Agung Saputra 1 Received: 10 June 2023 / Accepted: 26 July 2023 © Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature 2023 Abstract Electrochemical sensor technology is an integral part of modern analytical chemistry that has attracted great attention. It is multifaceted and rapidly progressing because of its high demand and continuous technological advancements. Electrochemi- cal sensors ofer several advantages over traditional analytical methods, including selectivity, sensitivity, robustness, ease of operation, short-time measurement, portability, low cost, etc. Interestingly, some of such features are possible to engineer toward a better performance improvement by adjusting to the assay needs. This review article comprehensively discusses the components, confguration, and tailoring of electrochemical sensors. The electrode surface modifcation and its importance in performance enhancement, especially in terms of selectivity and sensitivity, are discussed. The immobilization strategies, their advantages, and limitations, as well as the infuential factors in surface engineering, are also highlighted. In addition, state-of-the-art electrochemical sensors either based on the immobilization matrices or recognition elements for a diverse range of target analytes are discussed. Challenges and future aspects are briefy reviewed. The author believes the insights presented here will spark extra eforts to further understand and in turn, develop electrochemical sensors. Graphical abstract Keywords Biosensors · Electrode surface modifcation · Immobilization matrices · Receptors · Sensors Heru Agung Saputra is a Independent Scholar. Extended author information available on the last page of the article