Bio-functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3cp51844b

Here we present a hybrid approach to functionalize multi-walled carbon nanotubes in aqueous solution, exploring a non-covalent binding strategy. We focus on formation of hybrid complexes consisting of carbon nanotubes decorated by single stranded DNA, non-covalently attached using surfactants as intermediate layers. Unlike single walled carbon nanotubes, revealing easy side wall wrapping of DNA, we observe that wrapping of nucleic acids around multi-walled carbon nanotubes is diameter dependent. We focus on functionalization of MWCNTs in aqueous solution and investigate formation of hybrid complexes representing carbon nanotubes, decorated by noncovalently attached single stranded DNA. Possibility to use surfactants as intermediate layer is also discussed.