Electrolyte-gated carbon nanotube field-effect transistor-based biosensors: Principles and applications

Nowadays, there is a high demand for sensitive and selective real-time analytical methods suitable wide range of applications, from personalized telemedicine, drug discovery, food safety, quality control, to defense, security, as well environmental monitoring. Biosensors are devices able detect bio-chemical analytes (e.g., neurotransmitters, cancer biomarkers, bio-molecules, ions), through the combination bio-recognition element bio-transduction device. The use customized elements such enzymes, antibodies, aptamers, ion-selective membranes facilitates achieving selectivity. Among different currently available, electrolyte-gated field-effect transistors, in which dielectric represented by an ionic liquid buffer solution containing targeted analyte, gaining increasing attention. Indeed, these characterized superior electronic properties intrinsic signal amplification that allow detection bio-molecules with sensitivity (down pM concentration). A promising semiconducting material carbon nanotubes, due their unique electrical properties, nanosize, bio-compatibility, simple low-cost processability. This work provides comprehensive critical review nanotube transistor-based biosensors. First, introduction bio-sensing given. Next, device configurations operating principles presented, most used materials processes reviewed particular focus on nanotubes active material. Subsequently, functionalization strategies reported literature, based membranes, analyzed critically. Finally, present issues challenges faced area investigated, conclusions drawn, perspective outlook over field technologies, general, provided.