Immobilization of genetically engineered fusion proteins on gold-decorated carbon nanotube hybrid films for the fabrication of biosensor platforms.

We have demonstrated the fabrication of the biosensor platforms by means of the integration of the genetically engineered fusion proteins and the uniform gold nanoparticle-deposited multi-walled nanotube hybrid (Au-MWNT-HB) films for the detection of C-reactive protein (CRP). Au-MWNT-HB films were used as a good electrochemical transducer due to their excellent electrical properties and large surface areas for the signal transduction, while the genetically engineered fusion proteins, or 6His-GBP-SpA fusion proteins, specifically bind onto the surface of the Au-MWNT-HB films and efficiently immobilize bioreceptors for the detection of CRP. As-obtained biosensor platforms were characterized by electrochemical and optical analysis and revealed better performance compared to conventional Au-based biosensors. The concept delineated herein opens a new insight into nanobiotechnology through the integration of genetically engineered biomaterials with carbon nanotube (CNT)-based nanohybrids for emerging applications. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.