Bionanodevices in Bionanotechnology
February 11th, 2007Bionanotechnology is basically aimed at fabricating a molecule element at the nanolevel and the development of such biomolecule structure having the desired activities. The basic goal of the bionanodevices includes the biosystem that will recognize the biomolecular assemblies and molecular motors, production of nanomaterials and auto nano materials, modeling and simulation and application developments.
The application developments of the nanotechnology, although at a very beginning stage includes a thorough study to verify the predicted parameters based on the data obtained through simulation and modeling has to be carried out under actual environment. The predicted properties especially for macroscale and nanoscale behavior in modeling and simulation if verified during the actual application will only boost the bionanotechnology applications in the coming years.
Nanoclusters are especially recommended as these have higher extinction coefficient than the organic or inorganic chromophores and are widely used in employing cluster resonance or cluster field enhancement devices. Some of the nanocluster devices having nanospecific properties such as high and selective optical absorption can be used for biochips, filters, solar absorbers or colors. Similarly if the nanospecific property of the nanoclusters device is large specific area, it can be used as a catalytic device or it can also be used in sensors. Further a nanomaterial having large surface area can be used in heat exchangers.
Some of the critical biotechnology areas will include the use of nanodevices or quantum devices for detection of very small sensitive structure, nanomaterial that can self assemble and process, nanomaterial that can be programmed with optical or thermal properties etc. Nanocluster devices are designed keeping in mind with the specific property is taken care of as it is only the nanospecific property of nanomaterials that gives it the usage.
Use of bioconjugated silica nanoparticles in bioanalysis
February 5th, 2007In 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.
