Zirconia grafted carbon nanotubes based biosensor for <i>M. Tuberculosis</i> detection

Abstract

Zirconia (ZrO2) grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (crystallite size of ZrO2 ∼ 28.63 nm), obtained via isothermal hydrolysis of zirconium oxychloride in presence of CNT, have been electrophoretically deposited onto indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coated glass plate. High resolution electron microscopic investigations reveal assemblage of the ZrO2 nanostructure inside and around CNT cavities. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies indicate ∼3.5 fold enhancement in charge transfer behaviour of NanoZrO2-CNT/ITO electrode compared to that of NanoZrO2/ITO electrode. Considering the synergy between biocompatible ZrO2 and electrochemically superior CNT, this nanobiocomposite has been explored to develop an impedimetric nucleic acid biosensor for M. Tuberculosis detection.