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.
Claims20
A method for single-molecule detection, comprising:
- providing a carbon nanotube having a cylindrical outer surface and a probe entity attached to a point defect formed on the cylindrical outer surface that defines a first state of the carbon nanotube;
- introducing the carbon nanotube to a target entity to define a second state of the carbon nanotube associated with locally modulating the electrical conductance of the carbon nanotube;
- and
- 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 cylindrical outer surface and a probe entity attached to a point defect formed on the cylindrical outer surface that defines a first state of the carbon nanotube;
- 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, associated with locally modulating the electrical conductance 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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.