Nanomaterial labels in electrochemical immunosensors and immunoassays

Talanta. 2007 Dec 15;74(3):308-17. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2007.10.014. Epub 2007 Oct 16.

Abstract

This article reviews recent advances in nanomaterial labels in electrochemical immunosensors and immunoassays. Various nanomaterial labels are discussed, including colloidal gold/silver, semiconductor nanoparticles, and markers loaded nanocarriers (carbon nanotubes, apoferritin, silica nanoparticles, and liposome beads). The enormous signal enhancement associated with the use of nanomaterial labels and with the formation of nanomaterial-antibody-antigen assemblies provides the basis for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of disease-related protein biomarkers, biothreat agents, or infectious agents. In general, all endeavors cited here are geared to achieve one or more of the following goals: signal amplification by several orders of magnitude, lower detection limits, and detecting multiple targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Electrochemistry / methods*
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay / instrumentation
  • Immunoassay / methods*
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Staining and Labeling / instrumentation*