Use of bioconjugated silica nanoparticles in bioanalysis

5 February 2007

In the recent past various scientists have initiated work on the use of bionanomaterials. There is a great potential for luminescent nanoparticles in bioanalysis as these particles have unique optical properties. In comparison to the traditional fluorescence labeling techniques these luminescent nanoparticles labeling methods are much more accurate and provides enhanced detectable signals. To make the effective use of these nanoparticles, conjugation of biomolecules to the luminescent probe is accurately done.

The silica based nanoparticles find its use in bioanalysis if these are conjugated to recognize biocomponents. In the conjugation process, special elements those interact with the analytes are carefully selected. Using various methods these elements can suitably attached to the silica nanoparticle surface. There are several biochemical binding approaches for modifying the silica nanoparticle surfaces to contain functional groups.

These functional groups are useful for further modification in surface and biomolecule immobilization. So far the research has been successfully completed on biochemical groups including amines, carboxyls, thiols, however various other molecules including oligonucleotides, enzymes and other proteins are being used for immobilizing onto the nanoparticles.

The common methods used for synthesis of nanoparticles are Stober and reverse microemulsion methods. The main disadvantage of Stober method of synthesis is that produces relatively large nonuniform nanoparticles, however it takes short time for synthesis. Reverse microemulsion method produces smaller size nanoparticles and therefore this method is widely used for producing nanoparticles. Reverse microemulsion or water in oil emulsion uses large volume of oil and small volume preferably below less than 20% water and surfactants or emulsifiers.

There are a lot of applications where these biconjugated silica nanoparticles can be used. Although the work is still at preliminary stage of research, however in future these can successfully be used in detecting leukemia cells, detection of pathogenic bacteria , DNA analysis and many other biological applications. In the coming decades, the bionanotechnology may take us to the new heights in identifying and monitoring various diseases.

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