Nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide for chemical sensing and biosensors

Nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) has become one of the most popular materials with potential applications in numerous areas, including molecular separation, catalysis, energy generation and storage, electronics, photonics, sensing, drug delivery, and template synthesis.The fabrication of AAO is based on simple, cost-effective, self-ordering anodization of aluminum, which yields vertically-aligned, highly-ordered nanoporous structures. Due to its unique optical and electrochemical properties, nanoporous AAO has been extensively explored as a platform for developing inexpensive, portable sensing and biosensing devices.This article reviews AAO-based sensing and biosensing technologies, highlighting key examples of different detection concepts and device performance. We conclude with a perspective on the exciting opportunities for further developments in this research field.

► The structure, fabrication and properties of nanoporous alumina are described.
► Nanoporous alumina possess many advantages for sensing and biosensing.
► Recent advances in optical sensors and biosensors are highlighted.
► Recent developments of electrochemical sensors and biosensors are presented.