Novel Platform Development Using an Assembly of Carbon Nanotube, Nanogold and Immobilized RNA Capture Element towards Rapid, Selective Sensing of Bacteria

Sensors

Elizabeth I. Maurer¹  Kristen K. Comfort¹  Saber M. Hussain¹  John J. Schlager¹ 

[1] Molecular Bioeffects Branch, Human Effectiveness Directorate AFRL/RHDJ, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433, USA; E-Mails:

关键词: biosensor;    gold nanoparticle;    carbon nanotube;    nanomaterial;    aptamer;   

DOI  :  10.3390/s120608135

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

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.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2012 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.