New research has been conducted into the potential for platinum decorated carbon nanotubes to be used in the development of a glucose sensor for diabetes sufferers.

The platinum-covered nanotubes have so far shown improved performance and could provide a breakthrough in the development of a sensor that can provide diabetes sufferers with a way of continuously monitoring their blood sugar level.

Dr Jining Xie, a research scientist at the University of Arkansas' high density electronics center, told Nanowerk that although the promising electrochemical properties of both carbon nanotubes and platinum nanoparticles are well-known, there are few studies that look at combining the two.

He explained: "The originality of our work is to in-situ prepare platinum decorated carbon nanotubes, not simple mixing them, as the supportive materials for glucose sensing electrodes."

Mr Xie continued: "The efficient attachment of platinum nanoparticles to the nanotube surface enhances the electron transfer and offers a high surface area for enzyme loading."

However, he warned that there are still a number of factors which need to be considered before the new method proves to be the most effective way to develop glucose sensors.
Ÿ Adfero Ltd