Carbon nanotube biosensors

Abstract

Nanomaterials possess unique features which make them particularly attractive for biosensing applications. In particular, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can serve as scaffolds for immobilization of biomolecules at their surface, and combine several exceptional physical, chemical, electrical, and optical characteristics properties which make them one of the best suited materials for the transduction of signals associated with the recognition of analytes, metabolites, or disease biomarkers. Here we provide a comprehensive review on these carbon nanostructures, in which we describe their structural and physical properties, functionalization and cellular uptake, biocompatibility, and toxicity issues. We further review historical developments in the field of biosensors, and describe the different types of biosensors which have been developed over time, with specific focus on CNT-conjugates engineered for biosensing applications, and in particular detection of cancer biomarkers.

Metal enhanced fluorescence biosensing: from ultra-violet towards second near-infrared window

“…SWNTs have been shown to be characterized by inherent photoluminescence between 650 nm and 1400 nm. 43,58 Unfunctionalized SWNTs possess low fluorescence stability, intensity and biocompatibility, yet, in contrast, surface functionalization and environmental change affect their fluorescence emission significantly (both wavelength and intensity) 59 widening their applicability. Upon surface functionalization or interaction with target molecules, the wavelength and intensity of emission of nanotubes have been shown to vary significantly, making them well suited to fluorescentbased sensing applications.…”

Progression in sensing cardiac troponin biomarker charge transductions on semiconducting nanomaterials

“…Cheng et al stiffness [57] as well as their chemical properties, such as the ability to functionalize CNTs and transform their intrinsic characteristics [58,59]. By establishing a surface of CNTs, which encourage an extraordinary quantity of immobilized biological molecules, the electroactive site also can be increased [28].…”

Wastewater remediation via combo-technology

“…Magnetic nanoparticles do not agglomerate and remain suspended in solution due to their supermagnetism, an important feature responsible for the excellent efficiency of immobilized enzymes. Treated water can be monitored with immobilized enzymes (glucose oxidase and peroxidase) onto complex chitosan-SWCNTs [117][118][119][120][121]. In addition to providing enzyme stability and easier separation from the reaction mixture, magnetic nanoparticles are also used in sensing and monitoring various contaminants present in water.…”