Complementary Detection of Prostate-Specific Antigen Using In_2O_3 Nanowires and Carbon Nanotubes

摘要

We have demonstrated complementary biosensing using In_2O_3 nanowire and SWNT devices for the detection of PSA. Specificity was gained via proper surface functionalization, including a novel approach developed to covalently attach PSA antibodies to In_2O_3 NW surfaces. In addition, electronic characterization revealed enhanced conduction for In_2O_3 nanowire devices and suppressed conduction for SWNT devices upon PSA exposure, with sensitivity demonstrated down to 5 ng/mL for real-time detection in a buffer at physiological concentration. The combination of n-type NWs and p-type SWNTs shows great promise for the selective detection of desired biomolecules for health care and biomedical research. We believe this work will significantly advance the incorporation of nanomaterials into medically relevant biosensors.