Plasmonic-based Biosensors for the Rapid Detection of Harmful Pathogens

The survival of humankind and the Earth is closely linked to a "one health" vision of scientific and technological progress. Our health and the health of our planet are bound to find equilibria and interplay also involving cohabitation with pathogenic microorganisms. The need to control human and environmental health is strictly related to the availability of tools able to achieve the accurate, precise, and fast detection of pathogens, such as the biosensors. Noble metal nanoparticles can offer unique opportunities to develop high-performing and user-friendly biosensors for pathogen monitoring. This chapter describes how noble metal nanoparticles, due to their plasmonic properties, can be used as a powerful and unique toolbox for developing biosensors for pathogen detection, in different biosensing systems. Specific sections are dedicated to refractometric optical biosensors, surfaceenhanced Raman scattering, and electrochemical biosensors. Moreover, attractive opportunities for biosensors on flexible substrates are provided. A visionary perspective on the future challenges in the field of plasmonic biosensing is provided in the conclusive section of the chapter.