Nanosilicon-Based Composites for (Bio)sensing Applications: Current Status, Advantages, and Perspectives

Abstract

This review highlights the application of different types of nanosilicon (nano-Si) materials and nano-Si-based composites for (bio)sensing applications. Different detection approaches and (bio)functionalization protocols were found for certain types of transducers suitable for the detection of biological compounds and gas molecules. The importance of the immobilization process that is responsible for biosensor performance (biomolecule adsorption, surface properties, surface functionalization, etc.) along with the interaction mechanism between biomolecules and nano-Si are disclosed. Current trends in the fabrication of nano-Si-based composites, basic gas detection mechanisms, and the advantages of nano-Si/metal nanoparticles for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based detection are proposed.

Nanoparticles Modified with Cell-Penetrating Peptides: Conjugation Mechanisms, Physicochemical Properties, and Application in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

“…In fact, composites often possess superior solubility and biocompatibility compared to individual materials [44]. While silica coatings prevail in the field of inorganic-inorganic composites [45,46], combinations of, e.g., silicon nanostructures modified with metal or metal oxide nanoparticles have recently demonstrated highly interesting properties for biosensing applications [47]. Moreover, many multi-component particles combine the advantageous properties of organic and inorganic structures, e.g., using polymer-encapsulated magnetic particles [48] or metallic nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity and biodegradable polysugar-shells [49].…”

“…In this chapter, we have intended to highlight some recent conjugation strategies and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the conjugation mechanisms. nanoparticles have recently demonstrated highly interesting properties for biosensing applications [47]. Moreover, many multi-component particles combine the advantageous properties of organic and inorganic structures, e.g., using polymer-encapsulated magnetic particles [48] or metallic nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity and biodegradable polysugar-shells [49].…”

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of hybrid 1D core–shell structured nanocomposites based on ZnO/polydopamine

“…2,9,10 The electronic and optical properties of ZnO can be tuned by forming ZnO-composite nanomaterials. [11][12][13][14] Metal nanoparticles that exhibit surface plasmon resonance (Au, Ag, etc.) and functional polymeric layers (polyaniline, polypyrrole, etc.)…”

Application of Organic-Inorganic Hybrids in Chemical Analysis, Bio- and Environmental Monitoring

“…The development and tailoring of new materials are important issues to develop novel biosensors with advanced properties. Large surface area, porosity, topography, and enhanced surface functionality can significantly improve the sensing properties of the hybrid material and strengthen the interaction between surface and adsorbate (bioanalyte) [59][60][61]. The use of nanostructured hybrid materials and/or nanocomposites for the development of biosensors, in this case nanobiosensors, gives the possibility to achieve higher analyte sensitivity and device miniaturization.…”