Recent Advance in Biological Responsive Nanomaterials for Biosensing and Molecular Imaging Application

Abstract

In recent decades, as a subclass of biomaterials, biologically sensitive nanoparticles have attracted increased scientific interest. Many of the demands for physiologically responsive nanomaterials in applications involving the human body cannot be met by conventional technologies. Due to the field's importance, considerable effort has been expended, and biologically responsive nanomaterials have achieved remarkable success thus far. This review summarizes the recent advancements in biologically responsive nanomaterials and their applications in biosensing and molecular imaging. The nanomaterials change their structure or increase the chemical reaction ratio in response to specific bio-relevant stimuli (such as pH, redox potentials, enzyme kinds, and concentrations) in order to improve the signal for biologically responsive diagnosis. We use various case studies to illustrate the existing issues and provide a clear sense of direction in this area. Furthermore, the limitations and prospects of these nanomaterials for diagnosis are also discussed.

Keywords: bioimaging; biological responsive nanomaterials; biosensing; photoacoustic imaging.

Figure 1

Schematic illustration of Fe₃O₄ nanozyme-strip for the detection of EBOV. Adapted from ref [18], with permission from Copyright © 2015, Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Figure 2

Nanoscale ZIF-8/Fer for AβO sensing utilizing electrochemical and optical methods. Adapted from ref [21], with permission from Copyright © 2019, American Chemical Society.

Figure 3

Synthesis and characterization of Mn-SS NCPs, as well as the GSH, triggered nanoparticle decomposition, drug release, and Mn²⁺-enhanced MRI. Adapted from ref [27], with permission from Copyright © 2017, American Chemical Society.

Figure 4

ALP-triggered self-assembly of near-infrared nanoparticles for the enhanced PA imaging of tumors. Adapted from ref [29], with permission from Copyright © 2018, American Chemical Society.