Nanostructured biomolecular detectors: pushing performance at the nanoscale

Nanomaterial-based biosensing strategies offer a number of advantages over traditional molecular diagnostic and cellular analysis techniques, including signal amplification, improved sensitivity and speed, and versatile sensing schemes that can be tailored to a desired target. In this article, we highlight a variety of nanomaterial-based sensors, and discuss the advantages of different nanomaterials compositions and probes of different biomolecular classes. Recent advances in the development of optical, electrical, or electrochemical transduction mechanisms are covered, with special regard to breakthroughs in sensitivity. The works reviewed herein emphasize the improvements that nanomaterials offer in the realm of diagnostic assays and make a solid case for further advancement with automation and multiplexing.

► Metal and semiconductor nanoparticles offer increased sensitivity and multiplexing in biomolecular detection assays.
► Nanoparticles are compatible with a variety of readout types.
► Semiconductor nanowires used as field-effect transistors are highly sensitive biomolecular detectors.
► Nanomaterials can be used in electrochemical biosensing schemes as either labels or sensor substrates.