Modern progress and future challenges in nanocarriers for probe applications

Abstract

Progress in the domain of nanoscience has contributed to the expansion of countless fields of research. The selection of nanomaterials and associated signal modes as nanocarriers (NCs) has thus become more favorable in various probe applications. This review focuses on diverse NCs in order to pursue revolutionized practice for probe applications in relation to synthesis and characterization. The feasibility of NCs with essential features (such as surface modification, porosity, loading capacity (with a non-toxic nature), biodegradability, dual signal mode, device fabrication compatibility, and self-direction (in terms of specificity and selectivity)) has also been increasingly researched. In light of the potent role of NCs, this review highlights challenges and optimization strategies for rapidly emerging fields of their applications and future research directions. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.