Nanocomposites: From Fabrications to Electrochemical Bioapplications

Abstract

Nanostructured materials including nanoparticles, nanowires, nanobands and carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been intensively investigated due to their fantastic size effect and superior chemical and physical properties and functions. Nanocomposites can be fabricated not only with different nanostructured materials, but also with various biomolecules and conducting polymers to possess unique hybrid properties characteristic of neither the incorporated components nor the host matrices. The nanocomposites may be confined in nanoscale domains in one, two, or three dimensions for the unusual size-dependent behavior. The synergistic effects of the components lead to broad bioapplications of the nanocomposites such as biosensors, drug delivery systems and biofuel cells. A review of studies on nanocomposites from design, fabrication to their biocompatibility and electrochemical bioapplications is presented.

Development of Tunable Nanocomposites Made from Carbon Nanotubes for Electrochemical Applications

“…The use of carbon nanotubes has attracted a great deal of attention not only to develop better structural-reinforced materials thanks to the advantageous CNT mechanical properties (high stiffness, tensile strength) but also for conferring remarkable conductivity to polymer matrices (Ajayan et al, 2003;Wang & Musameh, 2003;Barrera et al, 2005, Harris, 2004Moniruzzaman et al, 2006;Coleman, 2006;Spitalsky et al, 2010;Li et al 2008;Xiao & Li, 2008;Martone et al, 2010). However the fabrication of high performance CNT composites still results challenging and several important requirements should be fulfilled for an effective improvement of CNTbased composite properties.…”

“…2006; Céspedes et al, 1996;Xiao & Li., 2008;Li et al, 2008;Li et al, 2009;Rajesh et al, 2009;Navratil & Barek, 2009). Nanocomposite for electrode applications are formed by at least one conducting and one insulating phase.…”

“…In this context, carbon nanotubes arise as ideal conducting phase due to their unique chemical and physical properties. At this moment carbon nanotube composites comprise a very dynamical emerging field and it turns out very difficult to cover the entire spectrum of such topic (Ajayan et al, 2003;Rubianes & Rivas, 2003;Wang & Musameh, 2003;Barrera et al, 2005, Harris, 2004Moniruzzaman et al, 2006;Spitalsky et al, 2010;Li et al 2008;Xiao & Li, 2008). Therefore in this chapter we will focus on conducting nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes/insulating polymers and special attention will be stressed on CNT epoxy composites as robust, easy-processing and cheap platforms for electrochemical applications (Céspedes et al, 1996;Pumera et al, 2006;Pacios et al, 2008;Olivé-Monllau et al, 2010).…”

“…and for (bio)chemical sensing (diagnostic medicine, genetics, drug, food and environmental sensing). Many groups have reported the use of CNT (bio)composites based on Teflon, epoxy, chitosan, poplystyrene or polysulfone for a wide variety of electroanalytical assays (Wang, 2005;Pumera et al, 2006;Xiao et al, 2008;Yogeswaran & Chen, 2008;Pacios et al, 2008;Sánchez et al, 2009;Kara et al, 2010;Olivé-Monllau et al, 2010 (McCreery, 2008). First, the composites exhibit the interesting advantage of easy surface renewal without extensive polishing.…”

Acetylcholinesterase Biosensor Based on Poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride)-multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes-graphene Hybrid Film

“…MWCNTs and GR have advantages in the biosensor field because of their unique physicochemical properties including high surface area, excellent electric conductivity, strong mechanical strength, good adsorptive ability and excellent biocompatibility [25][26][27]. Moreover, studies have revealed that nanohybrid can often combine the merits of each component and exhibit enhanced properties [28][29][30]. Previous literatures have proved that MWCNTs-GR hybrid can generate synergy effect, which can greatly accelerate electron-transfer processes and provide a promising electrochemical sensing platform [31][32][33].…”