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Peer-reviewedCC BYSmartMat

Nanobodies: A Promising Toolkit for Diagnostic Applications

  • Wei Wu1
  • Abid Ali1
  • Li Sun2
  • Jiahao Hu1
  • Lina Hameed1
  • Saba Shafi3
  • Ali Raza3
  • Khuzin Dinislam4
  • Wenjing Xing1
  • Long Rong5
  • Jie Lin2
  • Jian Ma1
5 affiliations
  1. 1Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery and Department of Immunology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Harbin Medical University Harbin China
  2. 2Ningbo Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging Probe Materials and Technology, Laboratory of Advanced Theranostic Materials and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and Devices Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Ningbo China
  3. 3College of Life Science Northeast Forestry University Harbin China
  4. 4State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Department of Cardiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital Harbin Medical University Harbin China
  5. 5Endoscopy Center Peking University First Hospital Beijing China
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Abstract

Nanobodies are single‐domain antigen‐binding fragments derived from camelid heavy‐chain‐only antibodies (HCAbs). They combine a small size (~12–15 kDa) with high solubility, favorable stability, and antigen‐binding capability. These properties can facilitate recognition of less accessible epitopes, improve tissue penetration in selected settings, and support assay performance under conditions that may challenge conventional antibodies. In recent years, nanobodies have emerged as versatile molecular recognition tools for diagnostic applications and been integrated into diverse detection platforms—including enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs), biosensors, and in vivo imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and nanobody–quantum dot conjugates. Advances such as multivalent designs, site‐specific conjugation, and optimized expression systems have further enhanced the performance of nanobodies in clinical diagnostics. Here, we summarize recent progress in nanobody‐based diagnostic technologies, outlining the key structural and biochemical features that contribute to their efficacy, reviewing ongoing clinical trials, and highlighting successful technological developments. Additionally, we discuss emerging strategies aimed at creating scalable, sensitive, and application‐ready nanobody‐enabled diagnostic platforms.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{wu2026nanobodies,
  title = {{Nanobodies: A Promising Toolkit for Diagnostic Applications}},
  author = {Wei Wu and Abid Ali and Li Sun and Jiahao Hu and Lina Hameed and Saba Shafi and Ali Raza and Khuzin Dinislam and Wenjing Xing and Long Rong and Jie Lin and Jian Ma},
  journal = {SmartMat},
  year = {2026},
  month = may,
  doi = {10.1002/smm2.70088},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/smm2.70088},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Nanobodies: A Promising Toolkit for Diagnostic Applications
AU  - Wei Wu
AU  - Abid Ali
AU  - Li Sun
AU  - Jiahao Hu
AU  - Lina Hameed
AU  - Saba Shafi
AU  - Ali Raza
AU  - Khuzin Dinislam
AU  - Wenjing Xing
AU  - Long Rong
AU  - Jie Lin
AU  - Jian Ma
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/05/21
JO  - SmartMat
DO  - 10.1002/smm2.70088
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1002/smm2.70088
AB  - Nanobodies are single‐domain antigen‐binding fragments derived from camelid heavy‐chain‐only antibodies (HCAbs). They combine a small size (~12–15 kDa) with high solubility, favorable stability, and antigen‐binding capability. These properties can facilitate recognition of less accessible epitopes, improve tissue penetration in selected settings, and support assay performance under conditions that may challenge conventional antibodies. In recent years, nanobodies have emerged as versatile molecular recognition tools for diagnostic applications and been integrated into diverse detection platforms—including enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs), biosensors, and in vivo imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and nanobody–quantum dot conjugates. Advances such as multivalent designs, site‐specific conjugation, and optimized expression systems have further enhanced the performance of nanobodies in clinical diagnostics. Here, we summarize recent progress in nanobody‐based diagnostic technologies, outlining the key structural and biochemical features that contribute to their efficacy, reviewing ongoing clinical trials, and highlighting successful technological developments. Additionally, we discuss emerging strategies aimed at creating scalable, sensitive, and application‐ready nanobody‐enabled diagnostic platforms.
SN  - 2688-819X
SN  - 2766-8525
ER  -