Aptamer-functionalized nano-pattern based on carbon nanotube for sensitive, selective protein detection

Kihwan Nam, Kilho Eom, Jaemoon Yang, Jinsung Park, Gyudo Lee, Kuewhan Jang, Hyungbeen Lee, Sang Woo Lee, Dae Sung Yoon, Chang Young Lee, Taeyun Kwon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We have developed a horizontally aligned carbon nanotube sensor that enables not only the specific detection of biomolecules with ultra-sensitivity, but also the quantitative characterization of binding affinity between biomolecules and/or interaction between a carbon nanotube and a biomolecule, for future applications in early diagnostics. In particular, we have fabricated horizontally aligned carbon nanotubes, which were functionalized with specific aptamers that are able to specifically bind to biomolecules (i.e. thrombin). Our detection system is based on scanning probe microscopy (SPM) imaging for horizontally aligned aptamer-conjugated carbon nanotubes (ACNTs) that specifically react with target biomolecules at an ultra-low concentration. It is shown that the binding affinity between thrombin molecule and ACNT can be quantitatively characterized using SPM imaging. It is also found that the smart carbon nanotube sensor coupled with SPM imaging permits us to achieve the high detection sensitivity even up to ∼1 pM, which is much higher than that of other bioassay methods. Moreover, we have shown that our method enables a quantitative study on small molecule-mediated inhibition of specific biomolecular interactions. In addition, we have shown that our ACNT-based system allows for the quantitative study of the effect of chemical environment (e.g. pH and ion concentration) on the binding affinity. Our study sheds light on carbon nanotube sensor coupled with SPM imaging, which opens a new avenue to early diagnostics and drug screening with high sensitivity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)23348-23356
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry
Volume22
Issue number44
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012 Nov 28
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Materials Chemistry

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