A self-powered electronic-skin for detecting CRP level in body fluid based on the piezoelectric-biosensing coupling effect of GaN nanowire

Abstract

Abstract A self-powered biosensing electronic-skin for real-time blood analysis has been presented based on the piezoelectric-biosensing coupling effect of GaN nanowire. The piezoelectric output generated by GaN nanowires can be regarded as both the power source to drive the device and the piezoelectric-biosensing signal for detecting C-reactive protein (CRP). The outputting voltage of the device immersing in the test solution is significantly affected by the CRP concentration, and the response is up to 78.2% against 0.624 mg ml −1 . The CRP antigen-antibody specific binding reaction occurs on the surface of GaN nanowire, it not only influence the surface carrier density but also influence piezoelectric output. The actual application of the device for testing the CRP concentration in rabbit blood samples (fever or not) has been confirmed. The existing results can stimulate a study trend on self-powered nanosystems and promote the development of flexible biosensors.