Vertical SiNWAs for biomedical and biotechnology applications

Vertical silicon nanowire arrays (SiNWAs) are considered as one of the most promising nanomaterials. Notably, silicon-based nanomaterials exhibit excellent biocompatibility, and the diameters of silicon nanowires are comparable to the dimensions of many biological molecules, providing SiNWAs with great potential for life science applications. In this review, we first briefly introduce the synthesis, patterning and surface functionalization of SiNWAs and then focus on the recent progress in the application of SiNWAs for biosensors, studies on mammalian cells or bacteria with nanomaterials, controlled capture/adsorption and release of cells or proteins, drug delivery, DNA transformation, antifouling surfaces, and nanozyme. We conclude with a brief perspective on future research directions and on the major challenges in this promising field.