Since the discovery of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) by Iijima in 1991[1, 2], there has been an
explosion of research into the physical and chemical properties of this novel material. CNT based
biosensors can play an important role in amperometric, immunosensor and nucleic-acid sensing
devices, e.g. for detection of life threatening biological agents in time of war or in terrorist attacks,
saving life and money for the NHS. CNTs offer unique advantages in several areas, like high surfacevolume
ratio, high electrical conductivity, chemical stability and strong mechanical strength, and CNT
based sensors generally have higher sensitivities and lower detection limit than conventional ones. In
this review, recent advances in biosensors utilising carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube fibres will be
discussed. The synthesis methods, nanostructure approaches and current developments in biosensors
using CNTs will be introduced in the first part. In the second part, the synthesis methods and up-to-date
progress in CNT fibre biosensors will be reviewed. Finally, we briefly outline some exciting
applications for CNT and CNT fibres which are being targeted. By harnessing the continual
advancements in micro and nano- technology, the functionality and capability of CNT-based biosensors
will be enhanced, thus expanding and enriching the possible applications that can be delivered by these
devices.
Keywords: Advanced carbon nanotubes; fibres; biosensors.
