Nanotechnology has made significant contributions to the field of diagnostics, offering innovative solutions for improved detection, monitoring, and diagnosis of various diseases. The unique biophysical properties of the nanoparticles enable contrast enhancement to improve biomedical imaging while our ability to manipulate nanoparticles for molecular level specificity enables tissue-specific diagnosis. Some notable applications of nanotechnology in diagnostics include:

Biosensors: Nanoscale materials, such as nanoparticles or nanotubes, are used to create highly sensitive biosensors. These devices can detect specific biomolecules associated with diseases, enabling early diagnosis. For example, nanomaterials can enhance the sensitivity of glucose sensors for diabetes monitoring.

Nanoparticle-based Imaging: Nanoparticles can be designed to act as contrast agents for imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and fluorescence imaging. These contrast agents provide better resolution and enable early detection of diseases.Inorganic nanoparticles particularly have been extensively studied and used for imaging application primarily due to their unique optical, magnetic or electrical properties at nanoscale.

Point-of-Care Diagnostics: Nanotechnology has enabled the development of portable and rapid diagnostic devices for use at the point of care. Nanoscale components can be integrated into diagnostic tools for detecting infectious diseases, cancer markers, and other health indicators quickly.

DNA Nanotechnology: Nanoscale structures made from DNA can be used for various diagnostic purposes, including DNA-based sensors for detecting genetic mutations associated with diseases. DNA nanodevices can also be employed in molecular diagnostics.

Nanoparticle-Enhanced Imaging: Quantum dots and other nanoscale materials can enhance the sensitivity and specificity of imaging techniques, providing detailed information about biological structures. This is particularly useful in cancer diagnosis and monitoring.MRI is a routinely used noninvasive clinical imaging tool that works on the principle of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Gd(III)-based T1 contrast agents (GBCAs) have dominated the clinical imaging space for a long time.

Nanopore Sequencing: Nanopore-based technologies allow for the sequencing of DNA or RNA molecules at the nanoscale. This can be applied to rapid and cost-effective genetic diagnostics, helping to identify genetic variations and mutations.

Nanotechnology in Microfluidics: Microfluidic devices integrated with nanomaterials enable precise control and manipulation of fluids at the micro and nanoscale. This technology is useful for creating miniaturized diagnostic platforms for various applications.

Plasmonic Nanosensors: Plasmonic nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties that can be harnessed for sensing. These nanoparticles are used in diagnostic applications, providing highly sensitive and specific detection of biological molecules.

The integration of nanotechnology into diagnostics has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by improving sensitivity, specificity, and portability of diagnostic devices, ultimately leading to earlier and more accurate disease detection.