Optical Bio-barcode Nanobiosensors

Abstract

Nanobiosensors are at the core of multidisciplinary research worldwide, from textiles to medicine, from space research to marine. The field of optical nanobiosensors has a special importance within this growing area over the last quarter of the century. Various forms of optical detection methods have been used in a wide spectrum of applications. Practical applications are intentionally given to help clinicians and laboratory employees in terms of materials, compositions, and protocols of use. This tutorial review includes recent efforts in the use of nanoparticle-based bio-barcode analysis to detect a target molecule by focusing on optical techniques. The optical sensing part defines fluorescence, real-time PCR, colorimetric, luminescence, surface plasmon and electrophoresis resonance systems. Finally, applications have been summarized in the detection of pathogenic microorganisms, clinical analysis, pesticides and toxicants in the environmental area and in food products.