Nanomaterial and interface advances in immunoassay biosensors

Biosensors have been used for a remarkable array of applications, including infectious diseases, environmental monitoring, cancer diagnosis, food safety, and numerous others. In particular, the global COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a need for rapid tests, so the type of biosensor that has gained considerable interest recently are immunoassays, which are used for rapid diagnostics. The performance of paper-based lateral flow and dipstick immunoassays is influenced by the physical properties of the nanoparticles (NPs), NP-antibody conjugates, and paper substrate. Many materials innovations have enhanced diagnostics by increasing sensitivity or enabling unique readouts. However, negative side effects can arise at the interface between the biological sample and biomolecules and the NP or paper substrate, such as non-specific adsorption and protein denaturation. In this Perspective, we discuss the immunoassay components and highlight chemistry and materials innovations that can improve sensitivity. We also explore the range of bio-interface issues that can present challenges for immunoassays.