title: Emerging synergy between nanotechnology and implantable biosensors: a review.
abstract: The development of implantable biosensors for continuous monitoring of metabolites is an area of sustained scientific and technological interests. On the other hand, nanotechnology, a discipline which deals with the properties of materials at the nanoscale, is developing as a potent tool to enhance the performance of these biosensors. This article reviews the current state of implantable biosensors, highlighting the synergy between nanotechnology and sensor performance. Emphasis is placed on the electrochemical method of detection in light of its widespread usage and substantial nanotechnology based improvements in various aspects of electrochemical biosensor performance. Finally, issues regarding toxicity and biocompatibility of nanomaterials, along with future prospects for the application of nanotechnology in implantable biosensors, are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Nanomaterials Optoelectronics Laboratory, Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
authors.forename: Santhisagar
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vaddiraju
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tomazos
authors.forename: Diane J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Burgess
authors.forename: Faquir C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.forename: Fotios
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Papadimitrakopoulos
mesh_terms: D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000639:trends*; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000639:trends; D005544:Forecasting; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000639:trends*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000639:trends*; D018511:Systems Integration; D014159:Transducers / Q000639:trends*