PNNL

Abstract

This paper describes a novel general strategy for fabricating protein-polyion multilayers by electrostatic layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly on a carbon nanotube (CNT) template. Such a noncovalent functionalization method is important for preserving the activity of biomolecules and the mechanical and electrical properties of CNTs. Glucose oxidase and poly (diallydimethylammonium) chloride polymer were used as a model to investigate the LBL process on a CNT template. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical characterization confirm the formation of LBL nanostructures on carboxyl functionalized CNTs. We have also demonstrated the applications of these nanoshell bioreactors to the direct electrochemistry of proteins and biosensing. This strategy can be applied to assemble other biological molecules, such as antibodies, antigens, and DNA, for wide bioassay applications.