Ultrasensitive Biosensor Systems Based on Magnetic Nanomaterials for Monitoring Pathogens in the Environment

Iron oxide-based magnetic nanoparticles have found widespread application in bioanalytical methods. This review focuses on microarray-based analytical systems that employ micron-sized magnetic particles for signal detection. Their operation is determined by specific intermolecular recognition processes occurring in the surface layer on a scale of several nanometers, which allow these methods to be considered nanotechnological. Bioanalytical tests based on magnetic labels and microarrays are characterized by rapidity (analysis time up to 10 min), ultra-high sensitivity, and multiplexing capability. They are highly cost-effective and easy to implement, and thus hold great promise for solving problems of environmental pathogen monitoring that require a combination of high speed and sensitivity with the ability to automate analysis.