Often, the thereby generated sensors are sensitive in the µM-nM range. However, depending on the optical set-up, sample volume, and functionalization approach, the generation of sensors with sensitivities in the pM-fM are feasible. To investigate the influence of functional groups on the surface coverage, hydrodynamic radius, and the interactions leading to molecular recognition of an analyte, it is possible to simulate the three-dimensional corona phase with molecular dynamics and docking experiments. Physisorption of a biopolymer on a nanomaterial creates a novel organic phase (corona) that istogether with the nanomaterialcapable of recognizing (bio)molecules. Reprinted with permission from . Copyright 2013 Nature. (b)