Carbon Nanotube Array for Addressable Nano-Bioelectronic Transducers

Using densely packed and arrayed carbon nanotubes and by incorporating DNA as addressable linkers, we have succeeded in simultaneous, parallel binding of multiple different redox proteins to designated nanotube electrodes on an integrated chip. As a result, we have formed a nanoelectronic-protein transducer array which is capable of real-time, multiplexed detection of several analytes in parallel in one device. The sequence-specificity of DNA hybridization provides the means of encoding spatial address instruction to the self-assembling process and enables the desired programmability, scalability, and renewability. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of a new paradigm of biosensing: detection of not only the presence of the targeted substances but also the real-time activities of multiple biomolecules. In this system, the conjugated biomolecules and nanoelectronic components provide active monitoring and mediating functions in real time, and can be integrated en masse into large arrays in a silicon-based circuit.