Hydrogel infused carbon nanotube bundle for flow sensing applications

Biological hair cell sensors are ubiquitous in nature and are widely investigated for development of artificial sensors. Robustness and flexibility are highly desirable in sensors besides efficiency and sensitivity. This work reports a novel biomimetic approach for hair cell based sensors for flow sensing applications. We mimic the sensory organ of cavefish using flexible sensing membrane and hydrogel encapsulated carbon nanotube bundle. Infusion of hydrogel into the nanotubes ensures enhanced transmission of flow stimulus. Air flow testing results demonstrate the ability of these sensors to detect steady state flows. This approach simplifies the design of flow sensors while utilizing the functions of individual components efficiently.