Conducting polymer nanowires-based label-free biosensors

Label-free sensing technologies have recently attracted a great deal of interest for sensitive, rapid and facile analysis for applications in health care, environmental monitoring, food safety and homeland security. One-dimensional (1-D) nanostructures such as nanowires, configured as field-effect transistors (FETs)/chemiresistors that change conductance upon binding of charged macromolecules to receptors linked to the device surfaces are extremely attractive for label-free biosensors. Herein, we review recent advances in label-free biosensors based on conducting polymer nanowires based FET/chemiresistor. Specifically, we address the fabrication, functionalization, assembly/alignment and sensing applications of FET/chemiresistor based on these nanomaterials. The advantages and disadvantages of various fabrication, functionalization, and assembling procedures of these nanosensors are reviewed and discussed.

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► Conducting polymer nanowire as chemiresistor/field-effect transistor conduction channel.
► Bioreceptor-functionalized nanowire for label-free affinity sensing.
► Applications in detection ranging from small to macromolecules to particles summarized.