Biomedical applications of nanobiosensors: The state-of-the-art

Abstract

Development of nanobiosensor is one of the most recent advancement in the field of Nanotechnology. Research on optical nanobiosensors with submicron-sized dimensions has opened new horizons for intracellular measurements. Taking advantage of the unique properties of the nanomaterials, faster and sensitive nanobiosensors can be developed. Apart from being sensitive and fast, the studies related to nanobiosensors have geared their efforts towards the development of nanomaterial-based sensors that are affordable, robust and reproducible. The nanobiosensors are equipped with immobilized bioreceptor probes, e.g., antibodies, enzyme substrate. Laser excitation is transmitted to photometric system in the form of optical signal (fluorescence). Nanobiosensors will revolutionize the future of disease diagnosis. The present review discusses the basic concepts, developments and the biomedical applications of nanobiosensors. © 2012 Sociedade Brasileira de Química.