Nanophotonics for Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy Applications

Figure 1

Nanophotonics for theranostics. Nanoparticles-based strategies can be used for biosensing using plasmonic nanosensors, such as metal nanoparticles functionalized with nucleic acid strand for colorimetric assays and biobar codes for protein detection or intense labels for immunoassays. Some nanoparticle systems can also be used for sensing by exploring a typical FRET system or can be surrounded with Raman reporters in order to provide in vivo detection and tumour targeting. In fact, NPs symbolize an important class of materials with unique features suitable for biomedical imaging applications such as increased sensitivity in detection and high quantum yields for fluorescence. Alternatively, NPs can survey near/far field enhancing qualities that hold promise for a bounty of novel applications in optics and photonics. Engineered NPs can also act as phototherapeutic agents that can be attached to specific targets for selective damage to cancer cells.