Rapid and label-free cell detection by metal-cluster-decorated carbon nanotube biosensors

In this paper, the use of carbon nanotube biosensors toward alga cell detection was examined. The biosensor devices were fabricated on complete 4 in. wafers by first growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and then depositing metal electrodes using a shadow mask. In addition, we decorated the biosensors with metal-clusters resulted in enhancing the sensitivity by 2000-folds and has enabled the detection of streptavidin down to 10 pM concentration. This sensitivity enhancement was attributed to activation of CNT channels due to formation of Schottky junctions between CNTs and metal-clusters. Real-time cell detection has been successfully carried out using the CNT biosensors for two kinds of alga related to brown tides: Aureococcus anophagefferens and BT3. Functionalization of the CNT biosensors with the monoclonal antibody for A. anophagefferens has led to detection at a concentration of 104 cells/ml, with sensitivity lower than 104 cells/ml projected based on the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensors. Further functionalization with tween 20 led to suppression of non-specific binding of BT3 and enabled label-free and selective detection of A. anophagefferens. These nanobiosensors may find potential applications for environmental monitoring and disease diagnosis.