Nanoscale-controlled architecture for the development of ultrasensitive lectin biosensors applicable in glycomics

In this mini-review the most advanced patterning protocols and transducing schemes for the development of ultrasensitive label-free and label-based lectin biosensors for the glycoprofiling of disease markers and some cancerous cells are described. The performance of such lectin biosensors with interfacial properties tuned to the nanoscale are critically compared to the most sensitive immunoassay format of analysis, and challenges for the future are discussed. In addition the key elements for further development of these devices are considered, with a view to improvement of their robustness and practical applicability.