Carbon nanotube biosensors for space molecule detection and clinical molecular diagnostics Jie HanNASA Ames Research Center Both space molecule detection and clinical molecular diagnostics need to develop ultra sensitive biosensors for detection of less than attomole molecules such as amino acids or DNA. However all the electrode sensor systems including those fabricated from the existing carbon nanotubes,have a background level of nA (nanoAmp). This has limited DNA or other molecule detection to nA level or molecules whose concentration is much higher than attomole level. A program has been created by NASA and NCI (National Cancer Institute) to exploit the possibility of carbonnanotube based biosensors to solve this problem for both's interest. In this talk, I will present our effort on the evaluation and novel design of carbon nanotubes as electrode biosensors with strategies to minimize background currents while maximizing signal intensity. The fabricationof nanotube electrode arrays, immobilization of molecular probes on nanotube electrodes and in vitro biosensor testing will also be discussed.
Dr. Jie HanTechnical Lead, NanotechnologyNASA Ames Research Centerhan@nas.nasa.gov