Next-generation point-of-care diagnostics for cervical cancer: Integrating programmable biorecognition, nanomaterials, and artificial intelligence

Cervical cancer remains a major global health challenge, particularly in low-resource settings. This review highlights next-generation point-of-care tests leveraging programmable biorecognition elements — such as aptamers, nanobodies, peptide nucleic acids, and CRISPR-Cas systems — for sensitive detection of HPV and host biomarkers. Integrated with nanomaterials, microfluidics, and smartphone-AI readouts, these biosensors enable rapid, affordable, and field-deployable screening. However, translating analytical breakthroughs into population-level impact requires overcoming critical translational barriers—including cost, tropical stability, self-sampling compatibility, and integration into fragmented health systems. We argue that future innovation must shift from performance-centric to equity-centered design, co-developed with end-users in high-burden regions. We critically assess design strategies, clinical translation potential, and implementation pathways, emphasizing equitable access aligned with the WHO's cervical cancer elimination initiative and the One Health vision.