A Carbon Nanotube Needle Biosensor

Abstract

A carbon nanotube needle biosensor was developed to provide fast, cost effective and highly sensitive electrochemical detection of biomolecules. The sensor was fabricated based on an array of aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. A bundle of nanotubes in the array was welded onto the tip of a tungsten needle under a microscope. The needle was then encased in glass and a polymer coating leaving only the tip of the needle exposed. Cyclic voltammetry was performed to examine the redox behavior of the nanotube needle. The cyclic voltammetry results showed a steady-state response attributable to radial diffusion with a high steady-state current density. An amperometric sensor was then developed for glucose detection by physically attaching glucose oxidase on the nanotube needle. The amperometric response of these nanotube needles showed a high sensitivity with a low detection limit. It is expected that the nanotube needle can be sharpened to increase the sensitivity to the point where the current is almost too small to measure. The simple manufacturing method should allow commodity level production of highly sensitive electronic biosensors.