One-dimensional Nanomaterials for Field Effect Transistor (FET) Type Biosensor Applications

One-dimensional, nanomaterial field effect transistors (FET) are promising sensors for bio-molecule detection applications. In this paper, we review fabrication and characteristics of 1-D nanomaterial FET type biosensors. Materials such as single wall carbon nanotubes, Si nanowires, metal oxide nanowires and nanotubes, and conducting polymer nanowires have been widely investigated for biosensors, because of their high sensitivity to bio-substances, with some capable of detecting a single biomolecule. In particular, we focus on three important aspects of biosensors: alignment of nanomaterials for biosensors, surface modification of the nanostructures, and electrical detection mechanism of the 1-D nanomaterial sensors.