Optical Biosensors Based on Semiconductor Nanostructures

Abstract

The increasing availability of semiconductor-based nanostructures with novel and unique properties has sparked widespread interest in their use in the field of biosensing. The precise control over the size, shape and composition of these nanostructures leads to the accurate control of their physico-chemical properties and overall behavior. Furthermore, modifications can be made to the nanostructures to better suit their integration with biological systems, leading to such interesting properties as enhanced aqueous solubility, biocompatibility or bio-recognition. In the present work, the most significant applications of semiconductor nanostructures in the field of optical biosensing will be reviewed. In particular, the use of quantum dots as fluorescent bioprobes, which is the most widely used application, will be discussed. In addition, the use of some other nanometric structures in the field of biosensing, including porous semiconductors and photonic crystals, will be presented.

Ultraviolet laser patterning of porous silicon

“…[8][9][10][11] The standard method for the fabrication of nanoPS allows tailoring its pore size from the micro-to the nanoscale, as well as its optical properties. Moreover, the optical behavior of nanoPS-based structures (1D, 2D, or 3D) is very sensitive to infiltration 12,13 or adsorption 6 of bio-species into the porous material. Furthermore, surface micro-and nano-patterning is becoming an important means for enhancing the performance of materials such as creating superhydrophobic surfaces with hierarchical meshporous structures, 14 reprogramming the cell shape, 15 or enlarging cell culture harvest.…”

Novel interfaces for light directed neuronal stimulation: advances and challenges

“…With high quantum efficiency, photostability, and biocompatibility, QDs are rapidly being applied in biological systems primarily as fluorescent labels in both in vitro and in vivo applications. [133][134][135] QDs are also used in biosensors, [136][137][138] cancer treatment, 139,140 and drug delivery. 141 Moreover, QDs display unique optoelectronic properties and can generate photocurrent.…”

CdTe quantum dots as a novel biosensor for Serratia marcescens and Lipopolysaccharide

“…Enhancements of the aqueous solubility, biocompatibility and biorecognition of the QDs via surface modifications were made to suit their integration with biological systems [11]. The preparation of QDs-bioconjugates is essential for the development of biosensors.…”