Cutting-Edge Applications of Carbon nanotubes in Biosensors

Year 2026, Volume: 54 Issue: 1, 21 - 36, 31.12.2025

Ehsan Sanattalab , Dilek Kanarya , Aliakbar Ebrahımı , Reza Didarian , Fatma Doğan Guzel , Nimet Yıldırım Tirgil

https://doi.org/10.15671/hjbc.1722886

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as powerful nanomaterials for enhancing the performance of biosensors due to their exceptional electrical conductivity, high surface area, and compatibility with biological molecules. Their unique structure supports efficient electron transfer and robust immobilization of biomolecules, enabling high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting a wide range of analytes. This review reviews the integration of single-walled and multi-walled CNTs into various biosensing platforms, including electrochemical, optical, and field-effect transistor-based sensors. We highlight how functionalization strategies involving carboxyl, amine, and hydroxyl groups improve biocompatibility and target binding, and how CNT-based nanohybrids with metal nanoparticles enable multiplexed and dual-mode detection. The versatility of CNTs has also facilitated the development of flexible, wearable biosensors for real-time health monitoring. Despite challenges in large-scale synthesis and consistent functionalization, recent technological advances continue to drive innovation in this field. This review aims to provide an overview of the latest progress in CNT-based biosensors and their growing impact in clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety applications.

Keywords

Biosensor , Carbon nanotubes , Electrochemical , Nanomaterials

Biyosensörlerde Karbon Nanotüplerin Son Teknoloji Uygulamaları

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as powerful nanomaterials for enhancing the performance of biosensors due to their exceptional electrical conductivity, high surface area, and compatibility with biological molecules. Their unique structure supports efficient electron transfer and robust immobilization of biomolecules, enabling high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting a wide range of analytes. This review reviews the integration of single-walled and multi-walled CNTs into various biosensing platforms, including electrochemical, optical, and field-effect transistor-based sensors. We highlight how functionalization strategies involving carboxyl, amine, and hydroxyl groups improve biocompatibility and target binding, and how CNT-based nanohybrids with metal nanoparticles enable multiplexed and dual-mode detection. The versatility of CNTs has also facilitated the development of flexible, wearable biosensors for real-time health monitoring. Despite challenges in large-scale synthesis and consistent functionalization, recent technological advances continue to drive innovation in this field. This review aims to provide an overview of the latest progress in CNT-based biosensors and their growing impact in clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety applications.

Keywords

Biosensor , Carbon nanotubes , Electrochemical , Nanomaterials

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