Karla R. Castro, Rafael Matias, Arielly Cardoso, Rafaela Cristina de Freitas, Alan Martins de Oliveira, Tiago Almeida Silva, Bruno C. Janegitz
Lactic acid is a vital molecule for health and food quality control. Its detection, typically via L-lactate, is a valuable indicator for conditions like disease, product spoilage, and stress. Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising, user-friendly solution for lactate detection. These versatile devices allow for tailored surfaces, adapting to sample characteristics, detection mechanisms, and end-user needs. Despite the variety of existing electrochemical biosensor architectures, including microfluidic, wearable, paper-based, carbon-based, and glassy carbon electrode types, routine lactate analysis with these devices remains a significant challenge. This work will explore diverse electrochemical lactate biosensors, detailing their designs, modifications, common transducers, analyzed samples, and validation. We will also survey commercially available options. Finally, this review assesses the current commercialization status and future perspectives of these biosensors, highlighting their growing importance in clinical and industrial applications.