Chapter 15 - Nanoparticles for biosensors

Abstract

This chapter outlines a few major classes of optical biosensors. Their applications for detection and diagnostic screening for biomolecules are discussed. Furthermore, it highlights some of the key fundamental properties of certain nanostructures that make them ideal for these types of specific biosensing applications. Nanoscience has led to a revolution in both traditional and still-developing areas of biotechnology, material sciences, chemistry, medicine, electronics, computation, and information technology. The development of new and better nanomaterials is at the leading edge of the rapidly developing field. The unique size-dependent physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials make them superior and indispensable in many areas of science and technology research and development. Nanomaterials have been developed at a tremendous speed over the past decade. Starting from original sphere-shaped nanoparticles, more materials broadly defined as nanomaterials such as nanotubes, nanowires, and quantum dots (QDs) have been prepared. These nanoparticles have diverse shapes and structures. Several applications have used the unique properties of these nanoparticles, such as next-generation computer chips, high-sensitivity sensors, and long-lasting medical implants. Among these applications, nanomaterials-based biosensors are one of the most significant. Different types of nanoparticles not only require specific methods of synthesis, characterization, and modification, but each type also needs optimized experimental conditions. Finally, this chapter lists the synthesis methods of three types of nanoparticles: dye-doped silica nanoparticles, QDs, and magnetic nanoparticles.