Functionalized carbon nanotube-based biosensor for highly sensitive detection of cardiac troponin I

Abstract

Heart attacks are increasingly affecting young adults, a trend driven by unhealthy lifestyles and stress. This study leverages a biosensor based on functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNT) to enhance the detection of Cardiac Troponin I (cTnI), a critical biomarker for heart attacks. The carbon nanotubes were functionalized via surface hydroxylation using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), followed by the addition of aldehyde groups with glutaraldehyde (GA). This fCNT coating was applied to the surface of an interdigitated electrode (IDE). Each step of the functionalization process was confirmed through impedance measurements, ensuring accurate modification of the IDE. The detection of cTnI utilized non-Faradaic modes, contributing to the system’s specificity. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 0.47366 nM, underscoring the IDE’s precise targeting of cTnI. The system also demonstrated outstanding reproducibility and repeatability. Overall, this biosensor system presents a highly sensitive, selective, and dependable approach for detecting cTnI, offering substantial promise for enhancing clinical diagnostics.