Essential semiconductor films in micro-/nano-biosensors: current scenarios

Abstract

Background: Engineering nanoscale matter in a controlled functional system has expanded the area of science in the state-of-art of nanotechnology. The urgency in introducing real-time health monitoring sensors and rapid diagnostic tools in medical health is indeed high and crucial to date. The efforts are accompanied by nanotechnology to improve the sensors performances. In this line, semiconductor materials (Silicon/Silica) have been in well-focus to develop micro-/nano-sensors. Methods: Further, additional layering such as metal oxide and graphene material have elevated the current scenario in biosensor developments. Among these, two-dimensional graphene nanomaterial owns its remarkable mechanical, electronic, electrochemical, and optical properties, has excited the medical field to develop graphene-based biosensors for human health diagnosis and monitoring. The oxygen rich graphene materials enhance the bio-functionalization of recognition bio-elements for excellent graphene-based biosensor development. Significance: This review encloses the excellence of semiconductor materials in conjunction with biosensors for monitoring health and diagnosis. The advances and challenges encountered with developing semiconductors for nanobiosensors from laboratory set-up to the novel hand-held device for rapid and accurate human health care are outlined.