Carbon Nanotube Smart Materials for Biology and Medicine

Abstract

This chapter is an overview of potential applications of carbon nanotube smart materials in biology and medicine. Carbon nanotube arrays are forests of aligned nanotubes prepared on a substrate. The nanotubes have multifunctional properties that include high strength, sensing, actuation, and electronic properties. Several prototype smart material devices using nanotube arrays or nanotubes from the array are being developed by various groups that are co-authors of this chapter. The new devices include a biosensor, electrochemical actuator, nanotube probes, and a concept for a future in-body biosensor. Recently, aligned multi-wall carbon nanotube arrays over 1 cm tall were synthesized on large area substrates using a chemical vapor deposition process. The technique for growing nanotubes on large area substrates will open the door for low cost manufacturing of novel sensors, actuators, and devices for biology and medicine.