Nanotubes-/nanowires-based, microfluidic-integrated transistors for detecting biomolecules

Abstract

Nanotubes and nanowires have sparked considerable interest in biosensing applications due to their exceptional charge transport properties and size compatibility with biomolecules. Among the various biosensing methodologies incorporating these nanostructured materials in their sensing platforms, liquid-gated field-effect transistors (LGFETs)-based device configurations outperform the conventional electrochemical measurements by their ability in providing label free, direct electronic readout, and real-time detection. Together with integration of a microfluidic channel into the device architecture, nanotube-or nanowires-based LGFET biosensor have demonstrated promising potential toward the realization of truly field-deployable self-contained lab-on-chip devices, which aim to complement the existing lab-based methodologies. This review addresses the recent advances in microfluidicintegrated carbon nanotubes and inorganic nanowiresbased LGFET biosensors inclusive of nanomaterials growth, device fabrication, sensing mechanisms, and interaction of biomolecules with nanotubes and nanowires. Design considerations, factors affecting sensing performance and sensitivity, amplification and multiplexing strategies are also detailed to provide a comprehensive understanding of present biosensors and future sensor systems development.

Utilisation of micro- and nanoscaled materials in microfluidic analytical devices

“…The paper provides references of the various strategies related to the use of NPs in microfluidics from dates prior to those included in our review. For those who are interested solely in the utilisation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in microfluidics, we recommend the review by Tey et al [62]. This review shows advances in microfluidic-integrated CNTs and inorganic nanowires-based liquidgated field-effect transistor biosensors.…”

Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor-Compatible Silicon Nanowire Biofield-Effect Transistors as Affinity Biosensors

“…Additionally, sensitivity may also increase owing to higher capture efficiency associated with a high density of nanostructures [17,18]. Nanowires (NWs), carbon nanotubes, nano particles and nanorods are merely some of the familiar nanoobjects that are emerging as candidates to become crucial elements of future affinity biosensors [19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. Furthermore, the nanometer dimensions of these objects are comparable with the size of the target biomolecules (e.g., proteins and DNA), and such nanoscale bioelectronic devices are able to measure single molecule events that can help to elucidate the fundamentals of biomolecular interactions [26,27].…”

Organic Surface Modification of Silicon Nanowire-Based Sensor Devices

“…A review by Wanekaya et al contains a paragraph on the covalent functionalization of SiNWs with biomolecules (Wanekaya, 2006). Very recent reviews also include sections with brief schemes for SiNW functionalization (Shao, 2010;Tey, 2010). In this chapter we aim to give an overview of all the different surface modification strategies that have been explored to modify SiNW-based devices, including non-covalent immobilization strategies.…”