Nano-sensors Based on Nano-porous Anodic Alumina

Nano-sensors are of interest to increase sensitivity and detection speed of the current measurement techniques. In recent years, nano-porous anodic alumina has been considered as a substrate for developing nano-sensors, due to its high surface area, controllability of the nano-pores, easy surface modification and bi-compatibility. Sensors based on nano-porous anodic alumina are classified as optical and electrochemical sensors. These sensors are used for the detection of various materials, such as gases and vapors, glucose and cholesterol, bio-molecules like proteins and DNA and even the whole cell such as viruses and bacterias. In this paper, the working principles of different types of sensors based on nano-porous anodic alumina and developments obtained in each area are reviewed.