Abstract
This study examines the creation of a nano-featured biosensor platform designed for the rapid and selective detection of the bacterium Escherichia coli. The foundation of this sensor is carbon nanotubes decorated with gold nanoparticles that are modified with a specific, surface adherent ribonucleiuc acid (RNA) sequence element. The multi-step sensor assembly was accomplished by growing carbon nanotubes on a graphite substrate, the direct synthesis of gold nanoparticles on the nanotube surface, and the attachment of thiolated RNA to the bound nanoparticles. The application of the compounded nano-materials for sensor development has the distinct advantage of retaining the electrical behavior property of carbon nanotubes and, through the gold nanoparticles, incorporating an increased surface area for additional analyte attachment sites, thus increasing sensitivity. We successfully demonstrated that the coating of gold nanoparticles with a selective RNA sequence increased the capture of E. coli by 189% when compared to uncoated particles. The approach to sensor formation detailed in this study illustrates the great potential of unique composite structures in the development of a multi-array, electrochemical sensor for the fast and sensitive detection of pathogens.
Highlights
By definition, a biosensor is a self-contained integrated device that is capable of providing specific quantitative or semi-quantitative information using a biological recognition element, which retains direct spatial contact with an electrochemical transduction element [1]
The present study was aimed at developing a novel sensor to detect bacteria based on carbon nanotubes functionalized with gold nanoparticles with a ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequence attached as a capture element
The work presented in this study defines a composite bases sensor that incorporates specific RNA sequences to selectively bind a microbial agent
Summary
A biosensor is a self-contained integrated device that is capable of providing specific quantitative or semi-quantitative information using a biological recognition element, which retains direct spatial contact with an electrochemical transduction element [1]. In an effort to achieve highly targeted and diverse analyte detection, numerous material platforms are currently being explored for their potential in sensing systems. Due to their established electrical transmission properties [2]. The ability for direct conjugation with other molecules, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have recently gained significant attention in the biosensors community. CNTs are distinctive in the respect that the majority of their atoms reside on or near the particle surface, with the consequence that molecular modifications have a significant impact on its electrical properties [3]. The modification of CNT surface chemistry has been previously demonstrated for uses in novel electronics, filtration media, biomedical devices, and biosensors [6,7]
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