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Monday, 26th March 2007 (9794 views)

Researchers in the US working towards developing an ultra-sensitive protein sensor have revealed that their innovative device is based upon gold nanoparticles which can be attached to nanowires using molecular springs composed of protein-binding antibodies.

While the majority of biosensors currently rely upon detecting changes in the intensity of fluorescence emitted, the team at the University of Michigan are working with a machine that allows the wavelength of the light emitted to be shifted reversibly, thereby allowing for the detection of changes in concentration more than five times the order of magnitude.

By using gold nanoparticles, the scientists are better able to detect visible changes in the light emitted from the nanowire, which can therefore be used as a molecule-specific biosensor.

According to the research team, such a breakthrough could see sensors using nanotechnology being increasingly common within a range of biological applications.

In addition, scientists are currently exploring the potential benefits of nanotechnology within the field of next-generation LED lighting systems, in particular through their use in phone and camera screens.

 

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