Which substance is primarily used in the development of nanosensors?

The primary substance used in the development of nanosensors is specific chemicals and materials at the nanoscale. Nanosensors are designed to detect and respond to a variety of physical, chemical, or biological stimuli, making it essential to utilize materials and chemicals that exhibit unique properties at the nanoscale.

At this scale, materials can demonstrate altered physical and chemical behaviors, such as increased reactivity, changes in electrical conductivity, and enhanced optical properties. This means that specific nanomaterials—such as carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, and various nanoparticles—can be engineered to create more sensitive and specific sensors compared to traditional materials.

In contrast, while materials like copper, gold, and plastics can be used in certain applications or as components, they do not encompass the broad range of specialized substances and tailored materials that are specifically optimized for nanosensor applications. Gold, for instance, is often used for its conductive properties and biocompatibility, but it does not represent the wider category of nanoscale materials essential for sensor function.