Carbon nanotube based sensors for DNA detection

Abstract

In this study, comparsion between the performances of carbon nanotube based random network field-effect transistors and resistors were made in DNA sensing, in order to establish which device has greater sensitivity towards biosensing applications. In resistor devices, P2A and P3 carbon nanotube solution were sprayed onto cheap and flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate with uniform conductivity. This method is suitable for bulk production of devices compared to chemical vapour grown carbon nanotubes on field effect transistors. The effect of P2A and P3 carbon nanotube based resistors in DNA sensing were taken into account and the sensitivity of resistors towards biosening were evaluated. Label-free DNA sensing was achieved by comparing the effectiveness of intercalators used, N,N'Bis(3-propylimidazole)-1,4,5,8-naphthalene Diimide- [Os(bpy)2Cl]+ (PIND-Os) and N,N'Bis(3-propylimidazole)-1,4,5,8-naphthalene Diimide- [Ru(bpy)2Cl]+ (PIND-Ru).