Recent advances of bimetallic nanomaterials and its nanocomposites for biosensing applications

Biosensors hold prominent role in the detection of various analytes related to bioanalytical applications, i.e., biosensing. One of the strategies used to increase the biosensing capability of a biosensor is by decorating the sensing electrode with advanced material, one of which is bimetallic nanomaterials and its nanocomposites, that greatly enhance the specificity and sensitivity of biosensors. The enhancements provided by this nanomaterial are not only contributed by the inherent properties of the constituent material but also attributable to its finite size and architectural features, and sometimes biomimetic behavior. For those reasons, this review summarized: (1) the basic information of bimetallic nanomaterials and its nanocomposites; (2) the summary of the synthesis and architectures of the bimetallic nanomaterials and its nanocomposites; (3) recent advancements in the bimetallic nanomaterials/composites that contributes to the enhancement of biosensors, where the bimetallic nanomaterials/composites work as either electrode modifier, signal amplifier, or even as recognition material. In addition, the current challenge and insights for future prospective developments of bimetallic nanomaterials and its nanocomposite for biosensing applications are summarized.