Nanoparticle- based microfluidic biosensors

Over the past decade, many important advanced have been made in the use of nanotechnology for biomolecular detection. The use of nanoscale materials for biosensing has seen explosive growth in recent years following the discovery of carbon nanotubes by Sumio Ijima in 1991. Recently, many advances were achieved in the electrochemical and optical detection of DNA and immunoreactions, through the use of innovative detection schemes (e.g. microfluidic platform) and new materials, particularly the use of nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanowires. This advanced technology has been extended throughout the field of biosensors and biochips. Specifically, nanoparticles, made from metals, semiconductor, carbon and polymeric materials, have been widely investigated to enhance the reaction signal of bioreceptors such as enzymes, antibodies, and oligonucleotides.