Perspectives on C-MEMS and C-NEMS biotech applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Carbon microelectromechanical systems (C-MEMS) and carbon nanoelectromechanical systems (C-NEMS) are emerging technologies with significant potential in various biotechnological fields.
• These carbon-based systems are increasingly being explored for applications such as electrochemical biosensors, biofuel cells, neural probes, and dielectrophoretic cell manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of the progress in C-MEMS and C-NEMS technologies over the past two decades.
• To discuss the state-of-the-art, identify technical challenges, and highlight future research opportunities in C-MEMS and C-NEMS for biotech applications.

Main Methods:

• The review categorizes C-MEMS and C-NEMS fabrication processes into photolithography-based and non-photolithography-based techniques.
• It presents a detailed discussion on the current advancements and challenges of these devices in specific biotech applications.

Main Results:

• C-MEMS and C-NEMS fabrication methods, including photolithography and non-photolithography techniques, are introduced.
• The review details the state-of-the-art, challenges, and opportunities for C-MEMS and C-NEMS in biosensors, biofuel cells, neural probes, dielectrophoretic cell trapping, and cell culture.

Conclusions:

• C-MEMS and C-NEMS are pivotal for advancing biotech applications, with ongoing research addressing fabrication and device performance.
• Future perspectives in the development and application of these carbon-based micro/nanoelectromechanical systems are outlined, emphasizing their potential impact on the field.