True nano-enabled sensors are rare

Lux Research: Nanosensors have been pushed forward 

as a key early nanotechnology application, with boosters projecting billions
of dollars in market opportunity. Sensors happen to be among the simplest
electronic devices one can make from nanomaterials, yielding an abundance of
development activity.  But of 66 companies claiming to offer nanosensors, only
13 actually harness the size-dependent properties of nanomaterials, according
to a new report from entitled.
   Lux Research defines nanosensors as devices that employ nanomaterials,
exploiting novel size-dependent properties, to detect gases, chemicals,
biological agents, electric fields, light, heat, or other targets. Plenty of
investment has gone into nanosensor companies; in March, for example, Nanomix
received $16 million in Series C funding, primarily to move a disposable
respiratory sensor to market. Homeland security spending has served as a
potent catalyst: the $41 billion U.S. homeland security budget -- and the
creation of centers like MIT's Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, a $50
million research collaboration with the U.S. Army -- has convinced
entrepreneurs that a large addressable market lies on the other side of a
working nanosensor.
   Nanosensors deliver sensitivity orders of magnitude better than
conventional devices. Buttoday's nanosensors aren't ready for prime time. Until sample handling and
selectivity issues are resolved, nanosensors can be deployed only under highly
controlled conditions. Plus, costs are high and unlikely to fall in the near
term. The mass markets that could deliver enough volume to bring prices down
won't adopt until sensors are cheaper, and the sensors won't be cheaper until
they're produced in greater volume. Thus nanosensor players are aiming at
military projects, where price is less of an issue, to break the cycle.    

Putting the 'Nano' in Nanosensors Publ 20050526