Recent advancements in Janus nanoparticle-based biosensing platforms

Abstract

Nanoparticles have aided in the development of nano-based sensors for diagnostic applications. However, use of nanoparticles in the development of sensing devices for multiple analyte detection is constrained due to their inability to detect several analytes with a single type of nanoparticle. The term “Janus particle” refers to micro or nanoscale particles that have been divided into sections or compartments, each of which has a distinct set of chemical or physical properties, producing multifunctional particles endowed with distinctive qualities. Furthermore, Janus particles have the ability to perform multiple functions within a single particle at the same time, with no interference from adjacent sections. This review focuses on the use of Janus particles in the fabrication of biosensors as well as in the investigation of various properties endowed by these Janus particles for their use as biosensors. It also discusses the various types of Janus particle-based biosensors that are currently available. Finally, the limitations of Janus particles in sensor technologies and their future scope have been discussed. Graphical abstract

Fabrication of a Janus Copper Mesh by SiO2 Spraying for Unidirectional Water Transportation and Oil/Water Separation

“…11 Janus membranes with asymmetric surface wettability on two sides allow water droplets to transport unidirectionally from the hydrophobic side to the hydrophilic side while preventing the penetration of water droplets from the hydrophilic side to the hydrophobic side. 12−15 As a result of these fascinating and unique properties, Janus membranes exhibit great potential for applications in oil/water separation, 16−18 unidirectional liquid transportation, 12,19,20 fog collection, 21 membrane distillation, 22,23 sensors, 24 Janus liquid diode, 25,26 demulsification of oil, 27,28 etc. In recent years, numerous strategies have been applied to construct Janus membranes, including layer-by-layer preparation, 29 photochemical modification, 30 unilateral deposition, 31−33 etc.…”

“…Recently, oil/water separation technologies based on materials with unique wettability have attracted global attention as a result of their advantages of simplicity, recyclability, and inexpensive costs. − In comparison to traditional single- and switchable-wettability membranes for oil/water separation, , the Janus membranes have particular liquid transport behaviors because of their unique asymmetric wettability, showing excellent separation performances as well as expansion in the construction of three-dimensional (3D) porous materials with superwettability . Janus membranes with asymmetric surface wettability on two sides allow water droplets to transport unidirectionally from the hydrophobic side to the hydrophilic side while preventing the penetration of water droplets from the hydrophilic side to the hydrophobic side. − As a result of these fascinating and unique properties, Janus membranes exhibit great potential for applications in oil/water separation, − unidirectional liquid transportation, ,, fog collection, membrane distillation, , sensors, Janus liquid diode, , demulsification of oil, , etc. In recent years, numerous strategies have been applied to construct Janus membranes, including layer-by-layer preparation, photochemical modification, unilateral deposition, − etc. − For instance, Luo et al prepared a Janus Cu mesh decorated with Ni–NiO/Ni­(OH) 2 core–shell nanoparticles via selective electrodeposition.…”

Patchy stereocomplex micelles as efficient compatibilizers for polymer blends

“…Janus particles and micelles show a stringent biphasic geometry (two separate faces) of distinct chemistry and/or polarity, [11][12][13][14][15][16][17] and have been utilized for various applications, e.g. as efficient particulate surfactants for emulsion stabilization, [18][19][20] as biosensors and optical nanoprobes, 21,22 in interfacial catalysis, 23,24 and for superhydrophobic and antiice coatings. 25,26 Moreover, attributable to their outstanding interfacial activity, Janus micelles have been intensively studied as compatibilizers in polymer blends, even under technologically relevant conditions.…”

Intelligent sensing based on active micro/nanomotors

“…The prospects for the use of self-propelled MNMs in sensing appear to be bright. Up to now, although several remarkable reviews have addressed certain aforementioned topics, including the preparation and functionalization of MNMs, [30][31][32][33] driving modes, 34,35 biocompatibility of MNMs for sensing applications, 23 their sensing strategies and detecting substances, 22,36,37 these reviews mainly focus on MNM functionalization as well as sensing applications from a certain perspective. The key challenges and limitations of MNMs for sensing applications may not have been thoroughly explored.…”