Nano and micro structures for label-free detection of biomolecules

Abstract

Nano and micro structure-based biosensors are promising tool for label-free detection of biomolecular interactions with great accuracy. This review gives a brief survey on nano and micro platforms to sense a variety of analytes such as DNA, proteins and viruses. Among incredible nano and micro structure for bio-analytical applications, the scope of this paper will be limited to micro and nano resonators and nanowire field-effect transistors. Nanomechanical motion of the resonators transducers biological information to readable signals. They are commonly combined with an optical, capacitive or piezo-resistive detection systems. Binding of target molecule to the modified surface of nanowire modulates the current of the nanowire through electrical field-effect. Both detection methods have advantages of label-free, real-time and high sensitive detection. These structures can be extended to fabricate array-type sensors for multiplexed detection and high-throughput analysis. The biosensors based on these structures will be applied to lab-on-a-chip platforms and point-of-care diagnostics. Basic concepts including detection mechanisms and trends in their fields will be covered in this review.