Functional DNA-integrated nanomaterials for biosensing

This chapter reviews recent progress in the development of biosensors by integrating functional DNA molecules with nanoscale science and technology. Functional DNA, a new class of DNA with functions beyond genetic information storage, can either bind to a target molecule (known as aptamers) or perform catalytic reactions (called DNAzymes). The targets of functional DNA can range from metal ions and small organic molecules to proteins, and even cells, making them a general platform for recognizing a broad range of targets. On the other hand, recent progress in nanoscale science and technology has resulted in a number of nanomaterials with interesting optical, electrical, magnetic, and catalytic properties. Inspired by functional DNA biology and nanotechnology, various methods have been developed to integrate functional DNA with these nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles, fluorescent nanoparticles, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and graphene, for designing a variety of fluorescent, colorimetric, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and magnetic resonance imaging sensors for the detection of a broad range of analytes.