Functional gold nanoparticles for sensing applications

Nanoparticle-based technologies have played important roles in providing opportunities for the development of a new generation of sensing tools. Because of their unique optical, chemical, electrical, and catalytic properties, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been extensively studied for biological and chemical detections as well as analytical applications. AuNP-based sensors are expected to change the foundations of sensing and detecting biomolecules and metal ions. The ease of surface functionalization of AuNPs allows chemists to create the desired functionalities for specific applications. In this review, we will discuss the use of surface-functionalized AuNPs for fabricating smart sensors that are capable of detecting heavy metal ions, glucose, and specific biomolecules such as protein and DNA.