Nanoplasmonic Biosensors: A Comprehensive Overview and Future Prospects

Chinmaya Mutalik,1,2,* Shashwat Sharma,3,* Sibidou Yougbaré,4 Chih-Yu Chen,5– 7 Tsung-Rong Kuo1,6 1Graduate Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan; 2Center for Airborne Infection & Transmission Science, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA; 3International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan; 4Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé/Direction Régionale du Centre Ouest (IRSS/DRCO), Nanoro, BP 21811, Burkina Faso; 5Department of Orthopedics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, 23561, Taiwan; 6International Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan; 7School of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Chih-Yu Chen, Email [email protected]; Tsung-Rong Kuo, Email [email protected]: Recent nanotechnological advancements have resulted in a paradigm shift in biosensing applications through the advent of nanoplasmonic biosensors. These devices integrate nanomaterials with phenomena like surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and localized SPR (LSPR) to address the critical diagnostic and analytical needs across medicine, food safety, and drug discovery. Leveraging metals like gold and silver, these sensors exhibit enhanced optical and electronic properties, enabling the detection of biomolecules at ultralow concentrations. However, despite their transformative potential, challenges concerning stability, reproducibility, cost-efficiency, and scalability impede widespread implementation. This review offers a rigorous analysis of nanoplasmonic biosensors, emphasizing their underlying operational mechanisms and diverse applications. It also delves into design paradigms, fabrication protocols, and optimization strategies while concurrently examining prevailing challenges and prospective advancements. Furthermore, it highlights emerging trends, such as hybrid plasmonic nanostructures, conferring advantages in miniaturization, automation, and high-throughput analysis, thereby establishing a robust foundation for future innovation in the field. Keywords: SPR, nanoplasmonic, optical biosensor, device, nanomaterial