Optimisation of carbon nanotubes for advanced diagnosis and biomedical application

Abstract

Nanomaterials have a broad spectrum of applications in biomedical fields. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are among the most versatile and well-characterised members of this group of materials. This review aims to discuss how to utilise CNTs as a diagnostic tool. Functionalisation with antibodies has gained significance in recent years among the various way of functionalisation of CNTs. Antibodies make their surface sensitive to surroundings for immuno-sensing. Surface passivation with other proteins is required to inhibit the non-specific binding of biomolecules on the hydrophobic carbon nanotube surface for ultrasensitive detection of biological species. CNT-based immuno-sensors provide excellent results with a promising sensitivity and reproducibility and, in combination with novel devices [such as a microfluidic electrochemical biosensor, nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), paper-based analytical devices (PADs), field effect transistors (FET)]. This combination offers an attractive analytical approach for the fast, low-cost, and accessible detection of trace prognostic biomarkers, microbial pathogens, environmental pollutants, and toxins.