Systems and methods for single-molecule detection using nanotubes
AssigneeThe Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
InventorsSebastian Sorgenfrei, Kenneth Shepard, Chien-Yang Chiu, Colin Nuckolls, Steven Warren
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Abstract
A method for single-molecule detection is provided and uses a carbon nanotube having a probe entity attached thereto to define a first state of the carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotube is introduced to a target entity to define a second state of the carbon nanotube. The electrical conductance of the carbon nanotube in the first and second states is compared to detect the presence of a biomolecular entity. A system for single-molecule detection including a carbon nanotube is also provided.
Claims19
A method for single-molecule detection, comprising:
- providing a carbon nanotube having a point defect formed therein and a probe entity attached to the point defect, the probe entity defining a first state of the carbon nanotube, wherein the probe entity comprises a protein;
- introducing the carbon nanotube to a target entity to define a second state of the carbon nanotube, wherein the target entity comprises a target protein to bind to the protein of the probe entity;
- comparing the electrical conductance of the carbon nanotube in the first and second states to detect the presence of a biomolecular entity.
A system for single-molecule detection, comprising:
- a carbon nanotube having a point defect formed therein and a probe entity attached to the point defect, the probe entity defining a first state of the carbon nanotube, wherein the probe entity comprises a protein;
- a field effect transistor in electronic communication with the carbon nanotube;
- and
- a supply of a target entity that when introduced to the carbon nanotube defines a second state of the carbon nanotube such that the electrical conductance of the carbon nanotube in the first and second states is compared to detect the presence of a biomolecular entity, wherein the target entity comprises a target protein to bind to the protein of the probe entity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.