Carbon nanotube wiring: a tool for straightforward electrochemical biosensing at magnetic particles

Here, we combine the unique properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and magnetic particles (MPs) to develop a novel biosensing approach for the specific detection of electroactive labels and targets. The assay is based on label/target capture and concentration using MPs. It follows addition of CNTs, which adsorb onto the surface of the beads. The subsequent magnetic entrapment of the CNT/MP complexes onto an electrode allows straightforward electrochemical sensing of the MP surface by exploiting CNT wiring. As a proof of concept, the assay has been applied to detection of ferrocene labels, and to the specific immunodetection of dopamine in both artificial saline solutions and real sample matrixes. The results demonstrate the applicability of CNT as wiring tools for enzymeless and substrateless electrochemical biosensing.