Scalable graphene field-effect sensors for specific protein detection.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) show promise for biosensing applications.
• Scalable fabrication methods are crucial for translating GFET biosensors into practical devices.
• Detecting protein biomarkers like thrombin is vital for early disease diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate scalable fabrication of micron-scale graphene biosensors using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene.
• To electrically detect the real-time binding and unbinding of the protein biomarker thrombin.
• To evaluate the performance and reusability of the fabricated graphene biosensors.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of micron-scale graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) from large-area CVD graphene.
• Functionalization of graphene surfaces with aptamers for thrombin capture.
• Electrical characterization of sensor response to thrombin binding and unbinding events.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated scalable micron-scale graphene biosensors.
• Achieved real-time electrical detection of thrombin binding and unbinding.
• Demonstrated low background noise and high transconductance, comparable to exfoliated graphene.
• Confirmed sensor reusability and a shelf-life exceeding one week.

Conclusions:

• Scalable fabrication of GFET biosensors from CVD graphene is feasible.
• These biosensors enable sensitive and real-time detection of protein biomarkers.
• The developed sensors offer a promising platform for reusable and stable diagnostic tools.