Graphene Based Electrochemical DNA Biosensor for Detection of False Smut of Rice (Ustilaginoidea virens).

False smut caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is an important rice fungal disease that significantly decreases its production. In the recent past, conventional methods have been developed for its detection that is time-consuming and need high-cost equipments. The research and development in nanotechnology have made it possible to assemble efficient recognition interfaces in biosensors.

Photolysis-Driven, Room Temperature Filling of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes.

An alternative process for opening and filling single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) based on UV photolysis is proposed. The filling of SWCNTs with MoCl and iodine were successfully achieved at room temperature after subjecting SWCNTs with MoCl or I₂ dissolved in chloroform to UV light for 6 hours. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) were used to characterise both the encapsulated materials and the host tube.

Connecting carbon nanotubes using Sn.

Process of Sn coating on mutiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and formation of interconnections among nanotubes are studied using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Surface oxidation of nanotubes during heating with HNO3 prior to the SnCl2 treatment and the bonding between functional groups and Sn are found to be responsible for the coating and its stability. Open nanotubes are filled as well as coated during tin chloride treatment.