A review on carbon nanotubes in biosensor devices and their applications in medicine

Abstract

In recent years, integrating biological components in analytical instruments especially in biomedical research has become a prerequisite for early diagnosis of many diseases. It is well known that the material properties (electrical and physical) of CNTs is very sensitive to be affected by exposure to biomolecules and this led to the investigation by many researchers. Though the CNT-based biosensors has been widely used due their better performance, it still has many practical concerns in application. For the successful commercialization of the concept of CNT-based biosensors, many hurdles need to overcome. Modifications on CNT biosensors have experienced a dramatic change with outstanding developments. The present article provides an overview on the recent development in CNT biosensors and comprehensive analysis was given on various ways to improve the performance of CNT with new designs. In addition, some of the practical applications and concerns in the field are addressed. The scientific and technological challenges in the field are discussed in the conclusion.

Nanomaterial-based sensors

“…The brilliant exclusive optical features of CNTs have gained huge attention among researchers in the development of optical biosensors for the detection of several analytes of biomedical and agro-environmental interest. Indeed, such nanomaterials possess peculiar characteristics that can be tuned for the different optical transductions, including luminescence, fluorescence, and color changes, as well as extended wavelength range of emission from 700 to 1400 nm, high photostability, low autofluorescence, and deep penetration capability in skin for in vivo imaging among others [22].…”

Flexible and Printed Electrochemical Immunosensor Coated with Oxygen Plasma Treated SWCNTs for Histamine Detection

“…To improve the sensitivity, the working electrode was modified by spray deposition of SWCNTs. SWCNT layers were used in this work due to excellent physical/chemical properties, such as large surface area/volume ratios, high electrical conductivity, biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and unique nanoscale interactions [21,22]. To overcome the hydrophobic nature of SWCNTs [23,24]-which challenges biomolecule immobilization, the surface chemical properties of SWCNTs were modified with an oxygen plasma (OP) treatment.…”

Amphiphilic anthanthrene trimers that exfoliate graphite and individualize single wall carbon nanotubes

“…Both nanographene (NG) and single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are emerging nanomaterials in applications such as molecular electronics, catalysis, solar cells, or as probes for optical imaging of biomolecules. [1][2][3][4][5] Despite rapid progress in the chemical functionalization of NGs and SWCNTs, preserving the spectroscopic and transport characteristics of the pristine materials in nanostructured devices with advanced functions, still remains one of the greatest challenges in the field. For example, NG and SWCNT functionalization has been realized by means of forming covalent bonds or employing non-covalent interactions with planar, π-conjugated chromophores and polymers.…”