Label-free optical biosensors in the pandemic era

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Biotechnology and Biosensing
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• The field of optical biosensors is rapidly expanding, driven by new technologies and established methods.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for advanced analytical tools for biomolecular understanding and distributed diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review emerging innovation opportunities in label-free optical biosensor technology.
• To assess the competitive potential of recent innovations in selected application areas.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent innovations in label-free optical biosensor technology.
• Analysis of technological advancements for specific application areas.
• Exploration of label-free detection principles for device development.

Main Results:

• Label-free optical biosensors offer operational simplicity for rapid, compact, distributed diagnostic devices.
• Adaptability enables integration with DNA nanostructures for novel functionalities.
• High sensitivity supports ultrasensitive systems, digital detection of single molecular events, and nanoparticle-enhanced detection.

Conclusions:

• Label-free optical biosensors present significant innovation opportunities for advanced diagnostics and molecular analysis.
• Future applications include distributed diagnostics, enhanced biomolecular process understanding, and direct bio-nanoparticle enumeration.