Implantable Nanotube Sensor Platform for Rapid Analyte Detection

The use of nanoparticles within living systems is a growing field, but the long-term effects of introducing nanoparticles to a biological system are unknown. If nanoparticles remain localized after in vivo implantation unanticipated side effects due to unknown biodistribution can be avoided. Unfortunately, stabilization and retention of nanoparticles frequently alters their function.[1] In this work multiple hydrogel platforms are developed to look at long-term localization of nanoparticle sensors with the goal of developing a sensor platform that will stabilize and localize the nanoparticles without altering their function. Two different hydrogel platforms are presented, one with a liquid core of sensors and another with sensors decorating the hydrogel's exterior, that are capable of localizing the nanoparticles without inhibiting their function. With the use of these new hydrogel platforms nanoparticle sensors can be easily implanted in vivo and utilized without concerns of nanoparticle impact on the animal.