a flexible electronic device is made up of nanostructures . specifically , the device includes a flexible substrate , a film of nanostructures in contact with the flexible substrate , a first conducting element in contact with the film of nanostructures , and a second conducting element in contact with the film of nanostructures . the nanostructures may comprise nanotubes , such as carbon nanotubes disposed along the flexible substrate , such as an organic or polymer substrate . the first and second conductive elements may serve as electrical terminals , or as a source and drain . in addition , the electronic device may include a gate electrode that is in proximity to the nanotubes and not in electrical contact with the nanotubes . in this configuration , the device can operate as a transistor or a fet . the device may also be operated in a resistive mode as a chemical sensor .