Pillared graphene structures supported by vertically aligned carbon nanotubes as the potential recognition element for DNA biosensors

Abstract

The development of electrochemical biosensors is an important challenge in modern biomedicine since they allow detecting femto-and pico-molar concentrations of molecules. During this study, pillared graphene structures supported by vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT-graphene) are examined as the potential recognition element of DNA biosensors. Using mathematical modeling methods, the atomic supercells of different (VACNT-graphene) configurations and the energy profiles of its growth are found. Regarding the VACNT(12,6)-graphene doped with DNA nitrogenous bases, calculated band structure and conductivity parameters are used. The obtained results show the presence of adenine, cytosine, thymine, and guanine on the surface of VACNT(12,6)-graphene significantly changes its conductivity so the considered object could be the prospective element for DNA biosensing.