Biosensing Strategies Based on Particle Behavior

Abstract

Micro/nanoparticles are widely used as useful biosensing platforms. Molecular recognition efficiently occurs on their surface, where ligand molecules are accumulated and, in some cases, well organized. The interactions that occur on or in the micro/nanoparticle significantly alter its physicochemical properties. Therefore, highly sensitive detection is possible based on such changes. Usual biosensors convert molecular or biological responses into optical or electrochemical signals. Particle-based biosensing can utilize a variety of other transducing mechanisms, including the changes in the levitation position of particles in physical fields, diffusion behavior, aggregation or dissociation, changes in the surface charge, and changes in size. We review the recent developments in biosensing based on various aspects of particle behavior.