Carbon nanotube based biosensors

Abstract

We describe a single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) based biological sensor for the detection of biomolecules like Streptavidin and IgG. SWNTs have been employed for two types of sensing mechanisms: changes in the electrical conductance of the carbon nanotube matrix on non-covalent binding of biomolecules to the side walls of the carbon nanotubes; quantification of mass uptake of the matrix on biomolecule incubation. Both sensing mechanisms exhibit consistent and highly sensitive responses. Biomolecular immobilization on the carbon nanotube surface was monitored by atomic force microscopy.