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.