Next-generation polymer nanocomposite-based electrochemical sensors and biosensors: A review

Due to their unique and fascinating properties, polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) have been extensively studied in recent years. PNCs can be synthesized in several different nanoscale forms with minimal effort, thus allowing the fabrication of various novel chemical and biological sensors. This review covers recent applications based on PNCs for the fabrication of electrochemical sensors, biosensors, including DNA biosensors, immunosensors, and aptamer sensors. To improve the sensor performance, nanocomposites have been reported in various combinations such as conductive polymers with graphene (Grp), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and metal nanoparticles, which endow high electrical conductivity, effective surface area, and fast electron transfer rate. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.