Magneto-immunoassay of cancer biomarkers: Recent progress and challenges in biomedical analysis

Ultrasensitive biomarker sensing has been used to develop novel strategies in detecting early stage cancer. Due to their unique characteristics, ie, ease of synthesis, conductivity and bio-compatibility, iron magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are exceptional nanomaterial in theragnostics. The current review focuses the critical role of iron MNPs in the development of several immunoassay technologies including electrochemical, electrochemiluminescent, photoelectrochemical, optical and microfluidic biosensors. Type and composition of magnetic particles, detection methods, relative specificity and sensitivity is discussed. Advantages and limitations of various strategies for label-free immunosensing of cancer biomarkers are explored.