Progress and challenges in functional nanomaterial‐based suspension array technology for multiplexed biodetection

Abstract

Suspension array technology (SAT) has aroused substantial interest due to its strong multiplexed detection capability, quick binding kinetics, high throughput, and high detection sensitivity. Although rapid developments in material science have led to tremendous progress with regards to SAT, several challenges still exist that limit the performance of SAT, including limited barcode numbers, unpredictable barcode signal and suboptimal detection sensitivity. Therefore, major efforts are still needed to further improve performance to fulfill the higher requirements of precision diagnosis. In this review, we focus on summarizing recent advances regarding encoded microspheres and labels for functional nanomaterial‐based suspension array technology, then analyze the current challenges and propose corresponding solutions. We anticipate that this review will be helpful for the future design of functional nanomaterial‐based SAT platforms with superior performance.

Lanthanide-Doped Upconversion Nanoparticles: Exploring A Treasure Trove of NIR-Mediated Emerging Applications

“…Due to the variations in doping, UCNPs have been shown to exhibit fabrication potential of ∼10,000 distinct barcodes theoretically (with combinations of different color, lifetimes, and intensities), offering great potential for multiplexed analysis. However, the low quantum yield of UCNPs and the current limitations with equipment suitable for decoding the spectral intricacies of multiplexed UCNP barcodes have limited the development of these materials. ,, Details have been provided in section .…”

“…Also, the uniqueness of Raman signal from different Raman reporter molecules offers to generate a large combination of encoded beads for significantly high multiplexing capacity. However, the SERS tags are hard to combine with fluorescent labels and suffer from difficulties in precise readouts, limiting their wider applications. , …”

“…Additionally, decoding QDs barcodes with conventional equipment (used for fluorophores) is possible without any modifications. However, the major disadvantage of using multiple types QDs in an encoded bead is spectral overlap that can give rise to energy transfer processes between the incorporated QDs, thereby reducing the coding capacity. − …”

“…b) Dyes are susceptible to photobleaching. c) Spectral interference is possible with common biological targets. , Additionally, the requirement of multiple lasers (for excitation of the different dyes) may increase the cost of instrumentation and the data processing requirements for extensive color compensations.…”

“…However, the low quantum yield of UCNPs and the current limitations with equipment suitable for decoding the spectral intricacies of multiplexed UCNP barcodes have limited the development of these materials. 110,205,206 Details have been provided in section 3.4.…”