Detection of chemical and biological agents plays a fundamental role in biomedical, forensic and environmental sciences1–4 as well as in anti bioterrorism applications.5–7 The development of highly sensitive, cost effective, miniature sensors is therefore in high demand which requires advanced technology coupled with fundamental knowledge in chemistry, biology and material sciences.8–13

In general, sensors feature two functional components: a recognition element to provide selective/specific binding with the target analytes and a transducer component for signaling the binding event. An efficient sensor relies heavily on these two essential components for the recognition process in terms of response time, signal to noise (S/N) ratio, selectivity and limits of detection (LOD).14,15 Therefore, designing sensors with higher efficacy depends on the development of novel materials to improve both the recognition and transduction processes. Nanomaterials feature unique physicochemical properties that can be of great utility in creating new recognition and transduction processes for chemical and biological sensors15–27 as well as improving the S/N ratio by miniaturization of the sensor elements.28

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess distinct physical and chemical attributes that make them excellent scaffolds for the fabrication of novel chemical and biological sensors (Figure 1).29–36 First, AuNPs can be synthesized in a straightforward manner and can be made highly stable. Second, they possess unique optoelectronic properties. Third, they provide high surface-to-volume ratio with excellent biocompatibility using appropriate ligands.30 Fourth, these properties of AuNPs can be readily tuned varying their size, shape and the surrounding chemical environment. For example, the binding event between recognition element and the analyte can alter physicochemical properties of transducer AuNPs, such as plasmon resonance absorption, conductivity, redox behavior, etc. that in turn can generate a detectable response signal. Finally, AuNPs offer a suitable platform for multi-functionalization with a wide range of organic or biological ligands for the selective binding and detection of small molecules and biological targets.30–32,36 Each of these attributes of AuNPs has allowed researchers to develop novel sensing strategies with improved sensitivity, stability and selectivity. In the last decade of research, the advent of AuNP as a sensory element provided us a broad spectrum of innovative approaches for the detection of metal ions, small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, malignant cells, etc. in a rapid and efficient manner.37



Figure 1

Physical properties of AuNPs and schematic illustration of an AuNP-based detection system.



In this current review, we have highlighted the several synthetic routes and properties of AuNPs that make them excellent probes for different sensing strategies. Furthermore, we will discuss various sensing strategies and major advances in the last two decades of research utilizing AuNPs in the detection of variety of target analytes including metal ions, organic molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, and microorganisms.

/pdf/gold-nanoparticles-in-chemical-and-biological-sensing-5e2qojkdzn.pdf

Gold nanoparticles in chemical and biological sensing.

https://www.princeton.edu/~cml/assets/pdf/pu_09_XXkang.pdf

Glucose oxidase-graphene-chitosan modified electrode for direct electrochemistry and glucose sensing

Recent advances in ZnO nanostructures and thin films for biosensor applications: review.

We are reviewing the state of electrochemical sensing of H2O2 based on the use of metal nanoparticles. The article is divided into subsections on sensors based on nanoparticles made from Ag, Pt, Pd, Cu, bimetallic nanoparticles and other metals. Some sensors display high sensitivity, fast response, and good stability. The review is subdivided into sections on sensors based on heme proteins and on nonenzymatic sensors. We also discussed the challenges of nanoscaled sensors and their future aspects.

Electrochemical sensing of hydrogen peroxide using metal nanoparticles: a review

A novel hydrogen peroxide biosensor based on Au-graphene-HRP-chitosan biocomposites

Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of horseradish peroxidase based on clay-chitosan-gold nanoparticle nanocomposite.

Construction of Au nanoparticles on choline chloride modified glassy carbon electrode for sensitive detection of nitrite

Clay–chitosan–gold nanoparticle nanohybrid: Preparation and application for assembly and direct electrochemistry of myoglobin

Direct electrochemistry of myoglobin based on ionic liquid-clay composite films.

http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/CC/C0/C0CC00983K/C0CC00983K.PDF

Zhibin Mai

Papers

Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of horseradish peroxidase based on clay-chitosan-gold nanoparticle nanocomposite.

Construction of Au nanoparticles on choline chloride modified glassy carbon electrode for sensitive detection of nitrite

Clay–chitosan–gold nanoparticle nanohybrid: Preparation and application for assembly and direct electrochemistry of myoglobin

Direct electrochemistry of myoglobin based on ionic liquid-clay composite films.

Investigation of DNA methylation by direct electrocatalytic oxidation.