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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 August 2014
Hybrid organic/inorganic nanostructures are engineered to function as two terminal devices with enhanced functionality. The devices are the building blocks for designing hybrid organic/inorganic circuits in the nanoscale. In our work, we have demonstrated the sensing capabilities of polymer nanocomposite thin films for designing nanoweb devices towards detection of biomolecules. Biomolecules with surface charge such as troponin-T were detected on this device by interfacing them with the polymer/metal composites. The change in electrical properties due to modulation in charge transport at the crossbar junction was identified as the measured electrical signal for designing switch based sensors. Nanotextured surface offers strong charge carrier transport and hence enhances the strength of the detected signal. The antibodyantigen interactions at the junction effectively modulate the charge transfer kinetics and modify the junction characteristics due to the surface potential associated with the organic molecules. The net change in surface charge can be measured either as changes in the diode current in the two terminal configuration or as changes in the source- drain current in the three terminal configuration. Detection sensitivity in the order of pg/mL was targeted by measuring the voltammetric current response (in microamperes).