Micro- and nanosensors

Kopelman et al.73 have prepared fiber optic sensors that are selective for nitric oxide and do not respond to most potential interferents. Both micro-and nanosensors have been prepared, and their response is fast (<1 s), reversible, and linear up to 1 mM concentrations of nitric oxide. The respective "chemistry" at the fiber tip was contacted with the sample, light was guided to the sample through the microfiber, and emitted light was collected by a microscope (without the use of fibers, however). 

Good for both static and dynamic measurements They are also available as micro- and nanosensors Good for high precision dynamic force measurements Compact, has wide dynamic range, and high Good for small force measurements... 

The present chapter presents an overview regarding smart devices that take full advantage of and potential from miao- and nanosensors. From an introduction to the main concepts behind micro- and nanosensors to the identification of the current limitations and future trends, a few examples of smart devices are shown. 

It is important to start with the definition of the main concepts regarding smart devices based on micro- and nanosensors, namely the definition of sensor, the meaning of the smart capabihty and the size features that define micro- and nanoscale. 

Although this method was developed initially for macroscale structures, it has become common to see it applied to micro- and nanosensors (Quinn et al 2006). Though, as these devices range in sizes at the sub-100 pm level, many are based on a silicon material system. Nonetheless, new materials and techniques driven by the ability to perform precision engineering are being explored and developed (Qian and Zhao, 2002). Today, materials from different types, from metals to ceramics, polymers or composites, may have suitable attributes to be applied into micro- and nanosensors. 

With the introduction of the previous topics, it now becomes interesting to present and explore real medical devices based on micro- and nanosensors. These examples aim at supporting the importance and at highhghting new opportunities that micro-and nanosensor made possible in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of several diseases examples. 

Rolfe, P, 2012. Micro- and nanosensors for medical and biological measurement. Sens. Mater. 24 (6), 275-302. 

The third topic deals with biomaterials that are already on the market or are on the verge of being purchased in view of the clinical phases they are undergoing. In this topic we can find five chapters on Injectable hydrogels as a delivery system for bone regeneration, Therapeutic proteins in bioactive materials for wound healing, Smart devices micro and nanosensors. Smart devices Lab-on-a-chip, and Electronic tongues and aptasensors. 

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