Detection of single walled carbon nanotube based sensors in a large mammal

Eric Hofferber; Jakob Meier; Nicolas Herrera; Joseph Stapleton; Chris Calkins; Nicole Iverson

doi:10.1016/j.nano.2021.102489

Detection of single walled carbon nanotube based sensors in a large mammal

Nanomedicine. 2022 Feb:40:102489. doi: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102489. Epub 2021 Nov 3.

Authors

Eric Hofferber¹, Jakob Meier², Nicolas Herrera³, Joseph Stapleton⁴, Chris Calkins⁵, Nicole Iverson⁶

Affiliations

¹ Biological Systems Engineering Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA. Electronic address: eric.hofferber@huskers.unl.edu.
² Biological Systems Engineering Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA. Electronic address: jakob.meier@huskers.unl.edu.
³ Animal Science Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA. Electronic address: nherrera18@huskers.unl.edu.
⁴ Biological Systems Engineering Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA. Electronic address: jstapleton346@gmail.com.
⁵ Animal Science Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA. Electronic address: ccalkins1@unl.edu.
⁶ Biological Systems Engineering Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA. Electronic address: iverson@unl.edu.

PMID: 34740870
DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102489

Abstract

High resolution, rapid, and precise detection of biological analytes related to disease and infection is currently the focus of many researchers. Better biosensors could lead to earlier detection, more avenues of intervention, and higher efficacy of therapeutics, which would lead to better outcomes for all patients. One class of biosensors, single walled carbon nanotubes, is unique due to their nanoscale resolution, single molecule sensitivity, and reversibility for long term applications. While these biosensors have been successful in rodent models, to date, no study has shown successful sensor detection in a large animal. In this study, we show the first successful signal detection of single walled carbon nanotube-based sensors in a large mammal model. Using a relatively simple and cost-effective system, we were able to detect signals in nearly 70% of the sheep used in the study, marking an important steppingstone towards the use of SWNT-based sensors for clinical diagnostics.

Keywords: Biosensors; Carbon nanotubes; In vivo; Large animal model; Near infrared fluorescence.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Biosensing Techniques*
Humans
Mammals
Nanotubes, Carbon*
Sheep

Substances

Nanotubes, Carbon