Challenges and Future Prospects of Nanoadvanced Sensing Technology

Abstract The implementation of nanotechnology concepts, processes, and tools in the design and development of sensors is intriguing, indeed, and considered as the means to optimize analytical performance and move bench setups to the market. During the past decade, novel concepts have materialized into molecular electronics, synthetic biochemistry, DNA-based self-assembly, or manipulation of individual atoms via scanning tunneling microscopy. The development of nanoplatforms for chemical sensors and biosensors has received much attention, extending the range of strategies, architectures, and materials for biomedical and environment-friendly applications. The use of nanomaterials harmonized the scale between biological species and transduction platforms, thus resulting in the development of devices with higher rates of information flow. Despite these advantages, size reduction to nanodimensions is neither straightforward nor problem-free. This chapter presents, in brief, the principle directions of research in the field and justifies their practical implementation in sensing with a view to highlight current challenges and future prospects.