Optical biosensors: a revolution towards quantum nanoscale electronics device fabrication.

D Dey,T Goswami

doi:10.1155/2011/348218

Abstract

The dimension of biomolecules is of few nanometers, so the biomolecular devices ought to be of that range so a better understanding about the performance of the electronic biomolecular devices can be obtained at nanoscale. Development of optical biomolecular device is a new move towards revolution of nano-bioelectronics. Optical biosensor is one of such nano-biomolecular devices that has a potential to pave a new dimension of research and device fabrication in the field of optical and biomedical fields. This paper is a very small report about optical biosensor and its development and importance in various fields.

Highlights

Optical biosensors are powerful alternative to conventional analytical techniques, for their high specification, sensitivity, small size, and cost effectiveness [1, 2]
The research and technological development of optical biosensors have experienced an exponential growth during the last decade because this technology has a great potential for the direct, real-time and label-free detection of many chemical and biological substances [4]
A highly multidisciplinary approach including microelectronics, MEMS, micro/nanotechnologies, molecular biology, nano-biotechnology, and chemistry are needed for the implementation of such new analytical devices [6,7,8]

Summary

Introduction

Optical biosensors are powerful alternative to conventional analytical techniques, for their high specification, sensitivity, small size, and cost effectiveness [1, 2]. The obstacles to exploitation have been fundamentally related to the presence of biomaterial in the biosensor (immobilization of biomolecules on transducers, stability of enzymes, and antibodies), the development of the sensor device (sensitivity and reproducibility issues), and the integration of optical biosensors into complete systems. Another major problem for the realistic mass production of biosensors has been the cost factor. At prototype level but there are few examples, even in research, of integrated biosensor systems that offer automatic monitoring in complex matrices [9]. The need for fast, online and accurate sensing opens up opportunities for biosensors in many different areas [10]

Device Architecture and Detection Technique

Molecular Level Interaction in Optical Biosensor

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

Conclusion