Comparison of DNA detection methods using nanoparticles and silver enhancement

DNA microarrays are an emerging technology for the parallel detection of DNA molecules. Fluorescent molecules are the current standard for a DNA array´s optical readout but they possess some drawbacks including the stability of the dyes and the cost of the scanners. Therefore alternative labelling strategies are of considerable interests. One such strategy is the use of nanoparticles which offers several advantages in terms of stability and versatility of the detection mode. The authors present a review on the different ways DNA can be detected, mainly onto a solid support, using nanoparticle labels.