Optical, electrochemical and catalytic methods for in-vitro diagnosis using carbonaceous nanoparticles: a review

This review (with 261 refs.) summarizes the progress that has been made in the field of in-vitro diagnosis using carbonaceous nanoparticles (CNPs). Signal readout is mostly based on fluorometry, electrochemistry and colorimetry. Following an introduction, the next two sections cover methods for the fabrication and separation of CNPs. This is followed by sections on (a) fluorometric methods, (b) electrochemical methods, and (c) colorimetric methods for detecting various analytes. Several subsections discuss detection schemes for analytes such as metal ions, pH value, reactive oxygen species, small biogenic molecules (for example glucose, ascorbic acid, amino acids, dopamine), and biomacromolecules (such as enzymes, cancer markers, DNA). A further section discusses methods based on the peroxidase-like activity of CNPs, and how they can be employed for the determination of species such as glucose, cholesterol, glutathione, and uric acid via H₂O₂-based chromogenic methods. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives in this research area are discussed. Graphical abstract A review is presented on the progress that has been made in recent years in sensing platforms for in-vitro diagnosis using carbonaceous nanoparticles (CNPs). Signal readout is mostly based on fluorometry, electrochemistry and colorimetry, respectively. Besides, the fabrication and separation strategies of CNPs are also demonstrated.