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Name (Title):
Hiroyuki Tomimoto (MANA research associate),
H. Kuramochi, G. Chen, M. Aono and T. Nakayama
Affiliation:
International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), NIMS
Address:
1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan
1-2
Email: TOMIMOTO.Hiroyuki@nims.go.jp
Home Page:
Presentation Title:
Conductive-area-controlled carbon nanotube probes for biological applications
Abstract:
Applying multiple-probe scanning probe microscopy to biological systems is an alternative
approach for understanding the sophisticated functions of cells. Fig.1 shows an example of such
measurement using mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). We fabricated ultra-fine probes applicable
to electric measurement in electrolyte for that purpose.
Requirements for such probes are as follows; (1) minimal damage for living cells by probe
insertion, (2) nanometer-scale high positioning, (3) nanometer-scale electrically conductive
sensing area, and (4) good electrically insulation except for sensing area. To meet these demands,
based on the previously developed carbon nanotube (CNT)/Ti probes, we adopted a metal coating
for increasing electrical conductivity and insulating materials for electrical insulation. After that,
CNT fiber part is cut by focused ion beam technique to fabricate area-controlled nano-electrode.
Figure 2 shows an SEM image of an obtained probe. Diameter of the sensing part at the apex of
the probe is approximately 100 nm which corresponds to the diameter of metal coated CNT fiber.
In this presentation, we discuss the fabrication methods and electrical properties of this probe.
20 �m
Fig.1 Optical microscope image of demonstration
of electric measurement on MSC using nanoscale
probes
2 �m
Poster Session PS-3
Fig.2 SEM image of fabricated conductivearea-controlled
carbon nanotube probe
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