A single mesoporous ZnO/Chitosan hybrid nanostructure for a novel free nanoprobe type biosensor

A novel method of fabricating a free probe type nanoscale biosensor is first demonstrated. A free probe type biosensor based on a single one-dimensional (1D) mesoporous ZnO/Chitosan inorganic–organic hybrid nanostructure is constructed. The as-prepared biosensor exhibited excellent biosensing performance and was stable in solution due to its inorganic–organic hybrid structure. The special mesoporous nanostructure with protuberances favors enzymes loading and enhances electrical communication efficiency. The feasibility of employing a single 1D nanostructure as a separate free nanoprobe for biosensing is demonstrated. This kind of free probe type biosensor will not only provides a new tool for micro-targets detection in microcell and enzymatic studies, but also has the potential to be inserted into single cell or other microorganism for biological studies.

► Single mesoporous ZnO/Chitosan hybrid nanostructure was fabricated.
► Free probe type nanoscale biosensor based nanostructure is demonstrated.
► As-prepared biosensor exhibited excellent biosensing performance and stability.
► This biosensor will provide a new tool for micro-targets detection in microcell and cellular studies.