Developing implantable optical biosensors

Nanobiotechnologists are developing devices that can measure specific enzymes and proteins. These devices are expected to detect single enzyme or protein molecules accurately, providing highly sensitive biosensing applications. A recent study by Strano and coworkers shows that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) hold great promise as implantable biosensors. Although most researchers have focused on substrate-oriented biosensors, Strano and colleagues have shown that the inherent fluorescent properties of suspended individual SWNTs can be used for solution-phase beta-D-glucose sensing.