Fabrication and quantitative performance analysis of a low-cost, flexible CNT network-based DNA sensors using ink-jet printing

Abstract

This paper reports the design, fabrication and quantitative performance analysis of a low-cost, flexible carbon nanotube (CNT) network-based deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sensor. These sensors comprise an array of ink-jet printed silver (Ag) electrodes on a transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flexible substrate, where a CNT network acts as a sensing layer. DNA hybridization is studied by immobilizing single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes on the CNT surface; these probes recognize their complementary DNA target. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to analyze the quantitative performance of flexible CNT biosensors. Various influencing factors (performance indicators) have been identified and quantified in the performance of flexible CNT biosensors (before bending, during bending and after bending). Additionally, the noise and other external factors contributing to the measured real signal have been quantified. The interpretation of the overall outcome will enable the improvement of the performance of flexible biosensors fabricated through large-scale manufacturing for possible commercialization.

Keywords

• Analytical hierarchy process (AHP), carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
• DNA sensors
• Flexible sensors
• Ink-jet printing
• Performance analysis