Practical Applications of 2D Material FET Biosensors: Functionalization Strategies and Detection Performance

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials and Biosensing
• Field-Effect Transistor (FET) Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Two-dimensional (2D) material-based FET biosensors are recognized for label-free and ultra-sensitive detection capabilities.
• High carrier mobility and surface-to-volume ratio of 2D materials facilitate low detection limits in ideal conditions.
• Existing reviews often compartmentalize materials, functionalization, or targets, lacking a unified framework for practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a framework linking interface design, device architecture, and practical sensing performance in 2D material FET biosensors.
• To analyze key challenges in real-sample detection, including Debye screening, nonspecific adsorption, and signal drift.
• To examine factors hindering clinical translation of 2D material FET biosensors in medical applications.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of interfacial engineering strategies in 2D material FET biosensors.
• Examination of device architectures influencing signal transduction and sensing behavior.
• Discussion of mitigation strategies for common barriers in real-sample detection.

Main Results:

• Interfacial engineering and device architecture critically govern signal transduction and sensing behavior.
• Debye screening, nonspecific adsorption, and signal drift are major obstacles for practical detection.
• An "interface-device-performance" framework is proposed to connect molecular recognition with electrical response and sensing outcomes.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive framework is needed to bridge the gap between the potential of 2D material FET biosensors and their real-world application.
• Addressing interface-device-performance relationships is crucial for advancing biosensor technology.
• Overcoming practical detection barriers is essential for the clinical translation of 2D material FET biosensors.