SWNT network for biomolecule detection

In this paper we describe a single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) based biological sensor for the detection of biomolecules using streptavidin and IgG. Two types of sensing mechanisms have been used to demonstrate the ability of carbon nanotubes to form nanoscale biosensors. The first sensing mechanism involves a CNT based conduction sensor in which the decrease in the current was observed when the specific biomolecule was bound. In the second mechanism Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) was used to quantify the mass of the biomolecule bound on the sidewalls of the carbon nanotube. Both sensing mechanisms proved to be efficient and consistent. Immobilization of the biomolecules on the carbon nanotube surface was confirmed by Atomic Force Microscopy.