Carbon nanotube based biologically modified field effect transistors (CNT-BioFETs): A research review

Abstract

In recent years, CNT-BioFETs have attracted great attention because they have been found as ideal biosensor with high selectivity, real-time response and have capability of label free detection. In this article, we present a brief overview of the CNT Field-Effect Transistor-based Biosensors, its working principle and its different types such as ENFET, ImmunoFET, DNA FET and Cell-based FET. The working principle of an n-channel CNT ISFET, the basic block of the BioFET is also discussed in brief. The use of CNT as a conducting channel is evaluated in a few examples of CNT BioFET structures with a detailed view onto its few properties including sensitivity, linear working range and limit of detection. Recent technological advances in the realm of CNT BioFET such as flexible and wearable biosensors are also examined. Keeping in view the above insight, a future prospective is provided later on how to improve the device performance whilst maintaining device miniaturization which is essential in the present More-than-Moore technology-driven world.