Microelectrode Set Made of Carbon Nanotubes for the Detection of Biomolecules and Neurotransmitters

Abstract

Electrode miniaturization is an alternative path for the development of sensitive electrochemical sensors. The low charging current, enhanced mass transport and their suitability to be employed in resistive mediums has made microelectrodes attractive for detection of biomolecules. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are unique nanomaterials with high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. They are known for their chemical stability and the ability to assemble them into nano and microelectrodes makes them an appealing alternative electrode material compared to metals. This talk will report the fabrication of an electrochemical-set that has CNT microelectrode assemblies as working, reference, and counter electrode components and have been tested for the detection of heavy metals (Pb2+), neurotransmitters (dopamine), and other biomolecules (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), furosemide). Limits of detection of 0.5 nM for dopamine, 18 nM for NADH, 2 nM for Furosemide, and 0.4 ppt for Pb2+ have been achieved. Different voltammetric techniques were employed during the study: cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), amperometry, and square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The robustness of the electrodes and the simplicity of its fabrication have been demonstrated. Furthermore, a simple method for the fabrication nanoelectrode arrays that can be employed as working electrodes will be presented. The background and key components that are considered important to achieve this performance will be reported.