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Zinc oxide nanomaterials for biomedical fluorescence detection.

Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology (2014-04-16)
Jong-In Hahm
ABSTRACT

One-dimensional zinc oxide nanomaterials have been recently developed into novel, extremely effective, optical signal-enhancing bioplatforms. Their usefulness has been demonstrated in various biomedical fluorescence assays. Fluorescence is extensively used in biology and medicine as a sensitive and noninvasive detection method for tracking and analyzing biological molecules. Achieving high sensitivity via improving signal-to-noise ratio is of paramount importance in fluorescence-based, trace-level detection. Recent advances in the development of optically superior one-dimensional materials have contributed to this important biomedical area of detection. This review article will discuss major research developments that have so far been made in this emerging and exciting topical field. The discussion will cover a broad range of subjects including synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs), various properties differentiating them as suitable optical biodetection platforms, their demonstrated applicability in DNA and protein detection, and the nanomaterial characteristics relevant for biomolecular fluorescence enhancement. This review will then summarize the current status of ZnO NR-based biodetection and further elaborate future utility of ZnO NR platforms for advanced biomedical assays, based on their proven advantages. Lastly, present challenges experienced in this topical area will be identified and focal subject areas for future research will be suggested as well.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Zinc oxide, dispersion, nanoparticles, <100 nm particle size (TEM), ≤40 nm avg. part. size (APS), 20 wt. % in H2O
Supelco
Zinc oxide, analytical standard
Sigma-Aldrich
Zinc oxide, nanopowder, <100 nm particle size
Sigma-Aldrich
Zinc oxide, 99.999% trace metals basis
Sigma-Aldrich
Zinc oxide, nanopowder, <50 nm particle size (BET), >97%
Sigma-Aldrich
Zinc oxide, nanowires, Length 1 um
Sigma-Aldrich
Zinc oxide, 99.99% trace metals basis
Sigma-Aldrich
Zinc oxide, ReagentPlus®, powder, <5 μm particle size, 99.9%
Sigma-Aldrich
Zinc oxide, puriss., meets analytical specification of Ph. Eur., BP, USP, 99-100.5% (calc. for dried substance)
Sigma-Aldrich
Zinc oxide, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, ≥99.0% (KT)