The fusion of nanotechnology with biotechnology has led to the development of novel nanobiosensors that have small size, higher sensitivity, rapid response, high specificity and large signal-to-noise ratios. These promise to provide early and more accurate diagnosis. The sensitivity of conventional imaging techniques such as MRI and angiography have been enhanced significantly by the use of nanoparticles such as SPIONs. Novel imaging techniques using gold nanoparticles, quantum dots and PEBBLEs have added a whole new dimension to clinical diagnostics.

The Centre is currently developing a real time enzyme-based sensor for measurement of oxidative stress. An electronic nose for sensing of trace quantities of gases and volatile organic compounds based on metal oxides and a metal-oxide based electronic tongue is also under development. Cholesterol sensors based on mesoporous silica are also under development.