Photocatalysis-Induced Renewable Field-Effect Transistor for Protein Detection

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biosensing

Background:

• Field-effect transistor (FET) biosensors offer high sensitivity and selectivity for biomolecule detection.
• Current FET biosensors are often disposable due to difficulties in analyte removal after detection, increasing costs and waste.
• There is a need for reusable biosensors to improve efficiency and sustainability in biomolecular detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, renewable graphene-FET (G-FET) biosensor for protein detection.
• To enable efficient analyte removal and sensor reuse through photocatalysis.
• To demonstrate the potential of this renewable biosensor for diverse applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a G-FET biosensor using layer-by-layer assembly of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and RGO-encapsulated TiO2 (RGO@TiO2).
• Immobilization of anti-D-Dimer antibodies onto the graphene surface for specific protein detection.
• Utilizing photocatalysis for cleaning the sensor surface, enabling renewable measurements.

Main Results:

• Sensitive detection of D-Dimer protein achieved with low detection limits (10 pg/mL in PBS, 100 pg/mL in serum).
• Successful renewal of the G-FET biosensor functionality through photocatalytic cleaning.
• Demonstration of the biosensor's reusability for multiple detection cycles.

Conclusions:

• A photocatalysis-induced renewable G-FET biosensor has been successfully developed and demonstrated.
• This renewable biosensor overcomes the disposability issue of conventional FET biosensors.
• The technology offers a promising platform for cost-effective and sustainable biosensing applications.