Lithography-free synthesis of periodic, vertically-aligned, multi-walled carbon nanotube arrays

Until now, the growth of periodic vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotube (VA-MWCNT) arrays was dependent on at least one lithography step during fabrication. Here, we demonstrate a lithography-free fabrication method to grow hexagonal arrays of self-standing VA-MWCNTs with tunable pitch and MWCNT size. The MWCNTs are synthesized by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) from Ni catalyst particles. Template guided dewetting of a thin Ni film on a hexagonally close-packed silica particle monolayer provides periodically distributed Ni catalyst particles as seeds for the growth of the periodic MWCNT arrays. The diameter of the silica particles directly controls the pitch of the periodic VA-MWCNT arrays from 600 nm to as small as 160 nm. The diameter and length of the individual MWCNTs can also be readily adjusted and are a function of the Ni particle size and PECVD time. This unique method of lithography-free growth of periodic VA-MWCNT arrays can be utilized for the fabrication of large-scale biomimetic materials.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of ochratoxin A based on signal amplification by one-pot synthesized flower-like PEDOT-AuNFs supported on a graphene oxide sponge

To enhance the sensitivity of an aptasensor, a novel strategy was designed to develop an electrochemical aptasensor based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy thiophene)-gold nanoflower (PEDOT-AuNF) composites supported on a three-dimensional graphene oxide sponge (GOS). GOS with a three-dimensional sponge-like porous structure, exhibiting excellent electrical conductivity and a large surface area, provided the first amplification of the electrochemical signal for ochratoxin A (OTA) detection. PEDOT-AuNFs, synthesized by an ionic liquid-assisted one-pot method, presented a peculiar hierarchical flower-like structure, a high electroactive surface area, and more binding sites for immobilizing the aptamer molecules by the Au-S bonds. When PEDOT-AuNFs were supported on the surface of GOS by the interaction of the π-π packing between PEDOT and graphene oxide, a synergistic effect was produced to provide the second amplification for the aptasensor. PEDOT-AuNFs/GOS provided an ultrasensitive detection technique by multiple signal amplification for the electrochemical sensing of OTA. Consequently, this strategy not only endowed the aptasensor with high sensitivity but also needed no complicated signal amplification. The electrochemical sensor was fabricated successfully on a glassy carbon electrode to detect OTA with a linear response in the range of 0.01-20 ng L^-1 and a limit of detection of 4.9 pg L^-1. Moreover, it displayed good specificity, reproducibility and stability. The utilization of the proposed aptasensor for the quantitative determination of OTA in wine indicates that it can find promising applications in detecting OTA and even other mycotoxins in foodstuffs.

A Comprehensive Review: Development of Electrochemical Biosensors for Detection of Cyanotoxins in Freshwater

Cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms are increasing in frequency and cyanotoxins have become an environmental and public concern in the U.S. and worldwide. In this Review, the majority of reported studies and developments of electrochemical affinity biosensors for cyanotoxins are critically reviewed and discussed. Essential background information about cyanobacterial toxins and electrochemical biosensors is combined with the rapidly moving development of electrochemical biosensors for these toxins. Current issues and future challenges for the development of useful electrochemical biosensors for cyanotoxin detection that meet the demands for applications in field freshwater samples are discussed. The major aspects of the entire review article in a prescribed sequence include (i) the state-of-the-art knowledge of the toxicity of cyanotoxins, (ii) important harmful algal bloom events, (iii) advisories, guidelines, and regulations, (iv) conventional analytical methods for determination of cyanotoxins, (v) electrochemical transduction, (vi) recognition receptors, (vii) reported electrochemical biosensors for cyanotoxins, (viii) summary of analytical performance, and (ix) recent advances and future trends. Discussion includes electrochemical techniques and devices, biomolecules with high affinity, numerous array designs, various detection approaches, and research strategies in tailoring the properties of the transducer-biomolecule interface. Scientific and engineering aspects are presented in depth. This review aims to serve as a valuable source to scientists and engineers entering the interdisciplinary field of electrochemical biosensors for detection of cyanotoxins in freshwaters.