**6. Conclusion**

Plasmonic nanostructures with various morphologies have sparked interest for use in biomarker sensing and rapid diagnostics. Spherical plasmonic nanoparticles such as gold and silver have played an integral part of these technologies, however, in recent years other morphologies such as rods and nanowires have been of interest due to their high aspect ratios and high surface area. In this chapter, the fundamental plasmon properties were explored for various diagnostic and biosensing applications in infectious diseases and common water pathogens. We also explored the prospects for rapid diagnostics and biomarker technologies in a world that requires test results efficiently, reliably, and quickly. The fate of traditional diagnostic technologies was also discussed with some new developments that would help this technology soon.
