Biosensor for heavy metals using hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods and metal-binding peptides

We report herein a biosensor for the determination of heavy metals based on hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods and metal-binding peptides. Metal binding peptide is immobilized on ZnO nanorods through nonspecific binding. Peptide binding with heavy metal ion causes the electrical signal change, which measured and correlated to the concentration of heavy metals. The sensor performance will be optimized with respect to the operating conditions. The new biosensor format will offer great promise for real-time environmental monitoring of heavy metals.