Metal-dendrimer hybrid nanomaterials for sensing applications

The nanochemical routes introduced in recent years have delivered important tools for the preparation of multifunctional nanomaterials with the potential to be used in a variety of applications. With the knowledge currently available, it is possible to prepare a wide array of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) with welldefined average size, shape, surface chemistry or functionality. In particular, the ability to tailor the physicochemical properties of materials at the nanoscale has provided breakthroughs in sensing applications, such as in the development of new analytical protocols based on plasmonics. Metal NPs and their hybrid structures with the capability to enhance the Raman signal of molecular adsorbates have proved to be useful in the analysis of chemical species at low concentrations. The current review provides a timely overview of the literature regarding the use of dendrimers for the preparation of metal-based nanostructures. Moreover, the review also approaches recent research on multifunctional hybrids that integrate magnetic NPs and emphasizes their importance to fabricate magneto plasmonic materials for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). These developments are relevant for the design of sensing systems with great importance for biomedicine, catalysis, and environmental monitoring. CO 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.