Colorimetric sensors for rapid detection of various analytes.

Sensor technology for the rapid detection of the analytes with high sensitivity and selectivity has several challenges. Despite the challenges, colorimetric sensors have been widely accepted for its high sensitive and selective response towards various analytes. In this review, colorimetric sensors for the detection of biomolecules like protein, DNA, pathogen and chemical compounds like heavy metal ions, toxic gases and organic compounds have been elaborately discussed. The visible sensing mechanism based on Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) using metal nanoparticles like Au, Ag, thin film interference using SiO2 and colorimetric array-based technique have been highlighted. The optical property of metal nanoparticles enables a visual color change during its interaction with the analytes owing to the dispersion and aggregation of nanoparticles. Recently, colorimetric changes using silica substrate for detection of protein and small molecules by thin film interference as a visible sensing mechanism has been developed without the usage of fluorescent or radioisotopes labels. Multilayer of biomaterials were used as a platform where reflection and interference of scattering light occur due to which color change happens leading to rapid sensing. Colorimetric array-based technique for the detection of organic compounds using chemoresponsive dyes has also been focused wherein the interaction of the analytes with the substrate coated with chemoresponsive dyes gives colorimetric change.

PVA and BSA stabilized silver nanoparticles based surface-enhanced plasmon resonance probes for protein detection.

To perform biosensing using nanoparticles in solution, silver particles were coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as control stabilizer. The plasmon resonance (420 nm) of the silver nanoparticles in solution was shifted slightly to longer wavelength (443 nm) when they were coated with BSA. The biointeractions of these engineered nanoparticles were studied using a mouse model. No significant changes in behavior or toxicity were observed. The nanoparticles were detected in all tissues including the brain. Antibody recognition was monitored via the change in light absorption which accompanied binding, indicating that the particles can be used as a biosensor to gain more insight into cellular mechanisms governing the function of organs in general, and the blood brain barrier (BBB) and brain in particular.