Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) fluoresce from 900 to 1600 nm affording them unique advantages over conventional fluorophores for use in in vivo applications. However, one of the main challenges in harnessing these advantages is maintaining SWNT stability in solution while imparting the necessary analyte selectivity. We demonstrate that coating the nanotubes in a partially hydrophobic dextran polymer allows detection of glucose based on changes in SWNT fluorescence. The prospects and feasibility of using such a system in vivo are discussed and elaborated on by imaging of SWNT fluorescence through tissue.

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