Gold nanoparticles for molecular diagnostics

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit a unique phenomenon, known as surface plasmon resonance, which is responsible for their large absorption and scattering cross-sections, which are four to five orders of magnitude larger than those of conventional dyes. In addition, their optical properties can be controlled by varying their sizes, shapes and compositions. AuNPs can be easily synthesized and functionalized with different biomolecules including oligonucleotides. Numerous methods have been utilized for detecting AuNPs such as colorimetric, scanometric, fluorescence, surface-enhanced Raman scattering and electrochemical techniques. These unique aspects have permitted the development of novel AuNP-based assays for molecular diagnostics which promise increased sensitivity and specificity, multiplexing capability, and short turnaround times. AuNP-based colorimetric assays in particular show great potential in point-of-care testing assays. This review discusses properties of AuNPs and their utilization for the development of novel molecular assays.

Keywords::

• bio-bar-code assay
• colorimetric detection
• electronic detection
• Förster resonance energy transfer
• gold nanoparticles
• light scattering
• scanometric detection
• surface-enhanced Raman scattering
• surface plasmon resonance

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work is funded by grants from Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF, UAE) and Yousef Jameel Science and Technology Research Center (YJ-STRC, AUC) to Hassan ME Azzazy. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.