Nano-biosensors and Nano-aptasensors for Stimulant Detection

Abstract

Stimulants increase mental alertness, attention span and physical activity by motivating the central nervous system. Their application in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy treatment is attended. Currently, using biosensors for detection of stimulants represent a typical platform in which an aptamer is bio-recognition element. Nanotechnology has exciting ingredients for the improvement of biosensors that have exquisite sensitivity, specificity and versatility. The use of nanomaterials has enabled faster detection and nanobiosensors reproducibility with reduced instrumentation size. The present paper reviews principles of the most stimulant electrochemical biosensor and nano-bio-sensors. The relevant systems are divided by the type of detection method and type of nanoparticles used for detection. Few examples of biosensors are reported using variety of nanomaterials such as quantum dots, gold nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes for detection of caffeine, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamin and nicotine. Colorimetric, fluorescence, electrochemical and luminescence methods are described for detection of stimulants. Some of the most typical assays are also mentioned in the text.