Nanosensors: a review of recent progress

Purpose - This paper seeks to consider recent nanosensor developments and the various routes to market through reference to companies which are commercialising these products. Design/methodology/approach - This paper initially discusses nanosensor markets and applications. It then illustrates progress in commercial exploitation by considering a number of nanosensor companies and their products. Findings - This paper shows that the commercialisation of nanosensors is still in its infancy but a range of products is now reaching the market. in addition to probes for atomic force and scanning probe microscopy, which presently comprise the bulk of the market, innovative biosensors, gas and chemical sensors are having a growing impact. Many of the supply companies are US-based with strong links to universities and have frequently raised significant venture finance and subsequent funds from government agencies involved with defence, homeland security and healthcare. Several of the world's large, high-technology companies are also pursuing nanosensor developments. Originality/value - This paper provides an insight into the present-day state of nanosensor commercialisation and gives examples of nanosensor companies and their products.