[nanoPost] Nanoscale biosensors for pathogen detection and diagnosis

Semi conducting and piezoelectric nanostructures for fabrication of smart biosensors. This technique using ZnO nanowire is applicable to detect any enzyme-catalyst reaction, including hydrolysis of cyclodextrins, useful in food and pharmaceutical industries. Also used for pathogenic protein and DNA detection.

ZnO thin film based devices

 Easy for fabrication of multiplex or sensor array system.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)

Exhibit unique properties such as chemical stability, good mechanical properties and high surface area ideal for design of biosensors. This technique using CNTs is applicable to detect any pathogenic protein and DNA. CNTs are also used for Nafio/Zirconium based glucose and other enzyme sensors.

Si based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)

 Highly sensitive microresonators.

Nafion/Zirconium sol-gel system

Highly conductive to cations, selectively and highly permeable to water for fabrication of sensitive enzyme sensor.

Advantage of Nanobiosensors

Harness the power of the nanoscale devices;

No labels of the probe molecules such as conjugation with enzyme, radioactive, fluorescence, or chemi- luminescence molecules;

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) free detection systems for DNA identification;

Nanoscale detection of the target molecules, a key factor in early detection of diseases such as breast cancer and AIDS;

Rapid and high-throughput detection;

Detection processes are simple, user friendly, fast, and cost effective;

Reduced power requirement, and easier recycling;

Repetitive, portability, and stability.