Selective and Sensitive TNT Sensors Using Biomimetic Polydiacetylene-Coated CNT-FETs

Abstract

Miniaturized smart sensors that can perform sensitive and selective real-time monitoring of target analytes are tremendously valuable for various sensing applications. We developed selective nanocoatings by combining trinitrotoluene (TNT) receptors bound to conjugated polydiacetylene (PDA) polymers with single-walled carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (SWNT-FET). Selective binding events between the TNT molecules and phage display derived TNT receptors were effectively transduced to sensitive SWNT-FET conductance sensors through the PDA coating layers. The resulting sensors exhibited an unprecedented 1 fM sensitivity toward TNT in real time, with excellent selectivity over various similar aromatic compounds. Our biomimetic receptor coating approach may be useful for the development of sensitive and selective micro- and nanoelectronic sensor devices for various other target analytes.

Biomimetic virus-based colourimetric sensors

“…The M13 phage proved useful in detecting target materials with high selectivity and sensitivity, because target-specific phage can be identified through well-established phage display techniques [36][37][38] . 4a) 39 .…”

“…Our group identified a consensus TNT-binding peptide sequence (WHWQ) using phage display with a commercially available ARTICLE 12mer linear peptide library (Ph.D.-12) 37,39 . To incorporate the TNT-binding peptide, we genetically engineered the M13 phage's major coat proteins (pVIII).…”

Smell Sensors Based on Olfactory Receptor

“…Besides, its biodegradation products are also mutagenic and harmful to the terrestrial life. Therefore, the detection of TNT and its metabolites is crucial for public security as well as the environment and human health [51]. The traditional TNT detection is based on the expensive and sophisticated laboratory instrumentation, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).…”

Rapid, multiplexed microfluidic phage display

“…Further, its versatility has allowed studies of peptide binding interactions against substrates as varied as metals, 18 minerals, 19,20 small molecules, 21,22 polymers, 23 and nanomaterials.…”