Nanoparticles-based strategies for DNA, protein and cell sensors

The need for novel biosensing systems has increased enormously in the last few years. In this context nanoparticles with special optical and electrochemical properties are bringing significant advantages in fields such as clinical analysis, environmental monitoring, food and safety/security control. Biosensor technology represents an interesting alternative for the development of efficient, fast, low-cost and user-friendly biosensing devices. Between different biosensing alternatives the nanotechnology and nanomaterial oriented biosensors represent very attractive and cost-efficient tools for real sample applications. The developed devices are based on the use of various platforms which allows their future applications and extension in several fields. Optical detection alternatives based on light absorption and scattering, surface plasmon resonance enhancement, fluorescence (including its quenching strategies) between other methods will be discussed. In addition, a special emphasis on electrical methods (electromechanical, stripping analysis, potentiometric etc.) that use nanoparticles as tracers for biomolecules detection will be given. In most of the examples nanoparticle-based biosensing systems are being offered as excellent screening and advantageous alternatives to existing conventional strategies/assays and the corresponding equipments. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.