Laser-triggered carbon nanotube microdevice for remote control of biocatalytic reactions

We have developed a near-infrared laser-driven carbon nanotube (CNT) microdevice. Powerful photo-exothermy of CNT was coupled with a microdevice for remote control of temperature-dependent biocatalytic transformations. We succeeded in ultrafast temperature change (< 0.03 s), wide range of controlled temperature (25-55 degrees C) and high-precision thermal cycle in a microspace owing to the following physical factors: (1) high efficiency of photothermal conversion of the CNTs; (2) high thermal conductivity of the CNTs; and (3) low heat capacity of the microspaces. Furthermore, this is the first report, supported by direct observations, of the optical control of biocatalytic reactions, such as DNA extension, DNA amplification and enzymatic cyclodextrin production, by employing a laser-triggered CNT microdevice. Our present work constitutes important progress for various lab-on-a-chip applications.