Graphitic nanotubes, which include tubular fullerenes (commonly called
"buckytubes") and fibrils, which are functionalized by chemical
substitution, are used as solid supports in electrogenerated
chemiluminescence assays. The graphitic nanotubes are chemically modified
with functional group biomolecules prior to use in an assay. Association
of electrochemiluminescent ruthenium complexes with the functional group
biomolecule-modified nanotubes permits detection of molecules including
nucleic acids, antigens, enzymes, and enzyme substrates by multiple
formats.