Label-free electrical detection of DNA hybridization using carbon nanotubes and graphene

The interface between biosystems and nanomaterials is emerging for detection of various biomolecules and subtle cellular activities. In particular, the development of costeffective and sequence-selective DNA detection is urgent for the diagnosis of genetic or pathogenic diseases. Graphenebased nanocarbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes and thin graphene layers, have been employed as biosensors because they are biocompatible, extraordinarily sensitive, and promising for large-area detection. Electrical and labelfree detection of DNA can be achieved by monitoring the conductance change of devices fabricated from these carbon materials. Here, the recent advances in this research area are briefly reviewed. The key issues and perspectives of future development are also discussed. Keywords: carbon nanotubes; graphene; DNA hybridization; biosensors; label-free detection; transistors (Published: 31 August 2010) Citation: Nano Reviews 2010, 1: 5354 - DOI: 10.3402/nano.v1i0.5354