Emerging nanomaterials for improved biosensing

Abstract

Of late, biosensing is receiving mounting expectations due to a pressing need for swift and accurate stimulus detection. Sensing via biological moieties has outmoded conventional diagnosis vis-à-vis processing time, skilled manpower and detection accuracy. Screening optimal analyte-stimulus interaction remains crux of biosensing, wherein surface engineering remains vital. The nanomaterials have impelled biological sensing accuracy and robustness comprising tunable electrochemical and physico-mechanical responses, thanks to their versatile shape and size dependent physical and chemical attributes. Closer energy levels with quantum mechanical feasibility distinguish nanomaterials from bulk counterparts for an accurate tracking of interacting coordinates. Till date, the most widely used nanomaterials for biosensing include Au nanoparticles, graphene based assemblies, carbon nanotubes and magnetic nanoparticles. Steadfast preparation mechanisms and stout surface engineering are the driving forces for a biosensing suitability of these entities. With such intent, this article sheds light on recent advances of NMs driven biosensing phenomenon, emphasizing the healthcare perspective.

Keywords

• Nanomaterials
• Biosensing
• Shape and size dependent properties
• Miniaturization
• Specificity and sensitivity