Metallic barcodes for multiplexed bioassays

Both detection and postdiagnosis monitoring are critical for cancer isolation and treatment. Particle-based sensing strategies could help to address these medical needs. This review describes barcoded metallic nanowires as particle scaffolds for multiplexed detection of antigens or nucleic acids. Barcode patterns are compositionally encoded as stripes of gold and silver metal along the nanowire length during fabrication by templated electrodeposition. Particle identification is accomplished using reflectance optical microscopy and can be coupled with fluorescence readout of antigen- or nucleic acid-binding events. Several approaches to multiplexed biodetection based on barcoded nanowires will be described and the potential for these particles in cancer detection will be discussed.