Bioanalytical sensors using the heat-transfer method HTM and related techniques.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Chemical Sensing
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• The heat-transfer method (HTM) leverages thermal interface resistance (Rth) for sensitive detection.
• First observed in DNA denaturation, HTM measures molecular-scale changes at solid-liquid interfaces.
• Thermometric measurements using thermocouples and heat sources enable Rth monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review bio- and chemosensors utilizing the HTM platform.
• To explore diverse applications of HTM in molecular detection and cell characterization.
• To discuss modifications and future prospects of HTM technology.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing thermal transducer platforms to monitor Rth.
• Employing functionalized chips with bioreceptors (e.g., imprinted polymers, aptamers).
• Investigating receptor-free HTM variants for cell and vesicle characterization.

Main Results:

• HTM enables sensitive detection of neurotransmitters, viruses, pollutants, and proteins.
• Surface-imprinted polymers facilitate quantitative bacterial detection.
• HTM characterizes lipid vesicles and eukaryotic cells, observing temperature gradient-induced detachment.

Conclusions:

• HTM is a versatile platform for bio- and chemosensing with broad applications.
• Modifications like M-HTM and TWTA expand HTM's capabilities.
• The review assesses HTM's potential and limitations, offering a technological outlook.