DNA-decorated carbon nanotube-based FETs as ultrasensitive chemical sensors: Discrimination of homologues, structural isomers, and optical isomers

Abstract

We have explored the abilities of all-electronic DNA-carbon nanotube (DNA-NT) vapor sensors to discriminate very similar classes of molecules. We screened hundreds of DNA-NT devices against a panel of compounds chosen because of their similarities. We demonstrated that DNA-NT vapor sensors readily discriminate between series of chemical homologues that differ by single methyl groups. DNA-NT devices also discriminate among structural isomers and optical isomers, a trait common in biological olfactory systems, but only recently demonstrated for electronic FET based chemical sensors.