Ion channels represent an important category of drug targets. They play a significant role in numerous physiological functions, from membrane excitation and signaling to fluid absorption and secretion. An ion-channel assay system using optical nanosensors has recently been developed. This high-throughput, high-content system improves on the existing patch clamp and fluorescent dye technologies that presently dominate the ion-channel screening market. This paper introduces the nanosensor technology, reviews the current market for ion-channel assays, assesses the costs associated with the nanosensors, and evaluates their commercialization potential.

New Developments for Nanosensors in Pharmaceutical Analysis presents an overview of developments in nanosensor usage in pharmaceutical analysis, thereby helping pharmaceutical companies attain reliable, precise, and accurate analysis of pharmaceuticals. This book presents very simple, precise, sensitive, selective, fast, and relatively inexpensive methods for pre-treatment, prior to analysis. These methods may be considered for further application in clinical studies and assays. The book includes the manufacturing of sensors for pharmaceutical analysis at nano- or smaller scales, and gives simple and relatable designs for the fabrication of sensors. Twelve chapters cover an introduction to the topic, immobilization techniques, mechanism effect of nanomaterials on structure, optical nanosensors for pharmaceutical detection, chemical nanosensors in pharmaceutical analysis, noble metal nanoparticles in electrochemical analysis of drugs, photo-electrochemical nanosensors for drug analysis, molecularly imprinted polymer based nanosensors for pharmaceutical analysis, nanomaterials for drug delivery systems, nanomaterials enriched nucleic acid-based biosensors, nanosensors in biomarker detection, and nanomaterials-based enzyme biosensors for electrochemical applications. Presents nanosensor types, synthesis, immobilizations and applications in different fields Gives simple repeatable designs for the fabrication of sensors for pharmaceutical analysis Details how to carry out sensitive analysis of pharmaceuticals using nanosensors Describes how to synthesize and immobilize nanosensors, and how nanosensors can be applied in drug assay Proposes innovative ways to optimize pharmaceutical processes with nanosensors

Advances in Nanosensors for Biological and Environmental Analysis presents the current state-of-art in nanosensors for biological and environmental analysis, also covering commercial aspects. Broadly, the book provides detailed information on the emergence of different types of nanomaterials as transduction platforms used in the development of nanosensors. These include carbon nanotubes, graphene, 2-D transition metal dichalcogenides, conducting polymers and metal organic frameworks. Additional topics include sections on the way nanosensors have inspired new product development in various types of biological and environmental applications that are currently available and on the horizon. Features detailed information on various types of biological and environmental nanosensors Gives particular attention to the different categories of advanced functional interfaces, processes for their development, and application areas Includes the current state-of-the-art in terms of commercial aspects

Nanofabrication for Smart Nanosensor Applications addresses the design, manufacture and applications of a variety of nanomaterials for sensing applications. In particular, the book explores how nanofabrication techniques are used to create more efficient nanosensors, examines their major applications in biomedicine and environmental science, discusses the fundamentals of how nanosensors work, explores different nanofabrication techniques, and comments on toxicity and safety issues relating to the creation of nanosensors using certain nanomaterial classes. This book is an important resource for materials scientists and engineers who want to make materials selection decisions for the creation of new nansensor devices. Summarizes current research and applications of a variety of nanofabrication techniques for the creation of efficient sensing devices Provides readers with an understanding of surfaces and interfaces, a key challenge for those working on hybrid nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes, graphene, polymers and liquid crystal electro-optical imaging Discusses the variability and sight recognition of biopolymers, such as DNA molecules, which offer a wide range of opportunities for the self-organization of nanostructures into much more complex patterns

Nanobiosensors: Nanotechnology in the Agri-Food Industry, Volume 8, provides the latest information on the increasing demand for robust, rapid, inexpensive, and safe alternative technologies that monitor, test, and detect harmful or potentially dangerous foods. Due to their high sensitivity and selectivity, nanobiosensors have attracted attention for their use in monitoring not only biological contaminants in food, but also potential chemical and physical hazards. This book offers a broad overview regarding the current progress made in the field of nanosensors, including cutting-edge technological progress and the impact of these devices on the food industry. Special attention is given to the detection of microbial contaminants and harmful metabolotes, such as toxins and hormones, which have a great impact on both humans and animal health and feed. Includes the most up-to-date information on nanoparticles based biosensors and quantum dots for biological detection Provides application methods and techniques for research analysis for bacteriological detection and food testing Presents studies using analytical tools to improve food safety and quality analysis

Plasmonic Sensors and their Applications A practically-focused reference and guide on the use of plasmonic sensing as a faster and cheaper alternative to conventional sensing platforms Plasmons, the collective oscillations of electrons occurring at the interface between any two materials, are sensitive to changes in dielectric properties near metal surfaces. Plasmonic sensors enable the real-time study of unique surface properties by monitoring the effect of the material interaction at the sensor surface. Plasmonic sensing techniques offer fast, label-free analysis, and hold advantages over labelling techniques such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Plasmonic Sensors and their Applications examines the development and use of highly sensitive and selective plasmonic sensing platforms in chemistry, biotechnology, and medicine. Contributions by an international panel of experts provide timely and in-depth coverage of both real-world applications and academic research in the dynamic field. The authors describe advances in nanotechnology, polymer chemistry, and biomedicine, explore new and emerging applications of plasmonic sensing, discuss future trends and potential research directions, and more. This authoritative volume: Demonstrates why plasmonic sensing is a profitable method for easy and label-free analysis in real-time Covers a variety of applications of plasmonic sensors, such as disease diagnostics, vitamin detection, and detection of chemical and biological warfare agents Includes a brief introduction to the history and development of plasmonic sensors Provides concise theory and background for every application covered in the text Plasmonic Sensors and their Applications is an invaluable resource for analytical chemists, biochemists, biotechnologists, protein and surface chemists, and advanced students of biotechnology.