Here we present a special issue of J Nanobiotechnology on nanosensors in a rather broad sense, focusing on two questions: (1) why study nanosensors; and (2) what according their potential use in the life sciences and, more specifically, in medicine might be.
Recently, there have been significant advances in this area of research, with many of the studies not even explicitly using the term “nanosensor”. Some of these may have led to novel findings harboring great potential for clinical medicine such as, for example, the early detection/diagnosis of diseases or minimally invasive local treatments/interventions.
The special issue illustrates a diverse range of technologies using nanomaterials and nanoparticles such as graphene, magnetic particles and nanowires, as well as molecular probes and quantum dots. Nanosensors show promise as theranostic tools and as nanoprobes for diagnostic imaging, disease monitoring and the detection of pathogens and environmental contaminants.
Edited by Prof Ueli Aebi and Prof Peter Gehr.
