ABSTRACT
Real-time detection of trace chemicals, such as explosives, in a complex environment containing various interferents has been a difficult challenge. We describe here a hybrid nanosensor based on the electrochemical reduction of TNT and the interaction of the reduction products with conducting polymer nanojunctions in an ionic liquid. The sensor simultaneously measures the electrochemical current from the reduction of TNT and the conductance change of the polymer nanojunction caused from the reduction product. The hybrid detection mechanism, together with the unique selective preconcentration capability of the ionic liquid, provides a selective, fast, and sensitive detection of TNT. The sensor, in its current form, is capable of detecting parts-per-trillion level TNT in the presence of various interferents within a few minutes.
Subject(s)
Conductometry/instrumentation , Electrochemistry/methods , Environmental Monitoring/instrumentation , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Nanotechnology/methods , Polymers/chemistry , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Electrolytes , Explosive Agents , Ions , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform InfraredABSTRACT
We report the unambiguous detection of a sequence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) at concentrations down to the fractional pM range using Single Wall Carbon Nanotube (SWNT) Field Effect Transistor (FET) devices functionalized with Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA).
Subject(s)
Hepacivirus/genetics , Nanotubes, Carbon , RNA, Viral/analysis , Transistors, Electronic , Electrochemistry/methods , Microchemistry/methods , Nanotechnology , Peptide Nucleic AcidsABSTRACT
A method to functionalize single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in a field-effect transistor (FET) device for the selective detection of heavy-metal ions is presented. In this method, peptide-modified polymers were electrochemically deposited onto SWNTs and the selective detection of metal ions was demonstrated by choosing appropriate peptide sequences. The signal transduction mechanism of the peptide-modified SWNT-FETs has also been studied.
