Several new technologies are being developed to improve the ability to label and detect unknown target genes. At Genicon, gold nanoparticle probes are being treated with chemicals that cling to target genetic materials and illuminate when the sample is exposed to light.

Another approach by Chad Mirkin and Nanosphere uses gold nanoparticle probes coated with a string of nucleotides that complement one end of a target sequence in the sample. Another set of nucleotides, complementing the other end, is attached to a surface between two electrodes. If the target sequence is present, it anchors the nanoprobes to the surface like little balloons, and when treated with a silver solution, they create a bridge between the electrodes and produce a current.

Quantum Dot Corp. uses quantum dots to detect biological material. Because their color can be tailored by changing the size of the dot, the potential for multiple colors increases the number of biological molecules that can be tracked simultaneously. In addition, quantum dots do not fade when exposed to ultraviolet light and the stability of their fluorescence allows longer periods of observation.

These technologies are expected to be more sensitive than fluorescent dyes and could more effectively detect low abundance and low-level expressioning genes. They may also make use of smaller and less expensive equipment to light and detect the samples. Without the need for gene amplification, they can also provide results in less time.