Next-Level Precision in Biological Sensing with Graphene-Based FET Biosensors

Introduction

The demand for rapid, sensitive, and reliable biosensors has never been greater, particularly in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceutical development. Traditional biosensing technologies, while functional, often struggle to achieve the sensitivity and real-time detection needed to analyze biological molecules accurately at very low concentrations. Our patented graphene-based field-effect transistor (FET) biosensors offer an advanced solution, combining the unique properties of graphene with high-performance biosensing capabilities. This cutting-edge technology promises to transform industries by delivering faster, more sensitive, and more accurate detection of biomolecules.

Limitations of Conventional Biosensors

Traditional biosensors have served the industry well, but they come with inherent limitations. Many lack the sensitivity to detect minute quantities of target molecules, such as proteins or nucleic acids, especially in complex environments like blood or wastewater. In critical fields such as medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research, and environmental monitoring, achieving reliable real-time results with high accuracy is essential. Furthermore, existing biosensors often have longer detection times, rely on bulky setups, or require complicated signal amplification systems.

Given these limitations, industries are increasingly looking for biosensors that offer faster, more precise, and more sensitive detection—capabilities that can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of applications from handheld medical devices to industrial monitoring systems.

Graphene: The Key to Unmatched Sensitivity

Our patented graphene-based FET biosensors leverage the extraordinary properties of graphene, which is known for its high electrical conductivity, extreme thinness, and large surface area. These characteristics allow the biosensor to detect small changes in the environment around the graphene layer when it interacts with target biomolecules. As a result, this sensor offers unparalleled sensitivity, detecting even trace amounts of biomolecules with real-time accuracy.

This technology has broad applications, from early disease detection in clinical settings to real-time monitoring of contaminants in water or air. In the pharmaceutical sector, it enables real-time observation of molecular interactions during drug development. The graphene-based sensor’s efficiency, coupled with its ability to detect low concentrations of target molecules, makes it a valuable tool in any environment requiring high-precision molecular detection.

Why This Technology Stands Out

Ultra-Sensitive Detection: The use of graphene allows for the detection of even trace amounts of biomolecules, enabling early disease diagnosis and more accurate environmental monitoring.
Real-Time Results: The FET design provides fast, real-time detection, improving efficiency in medical diagnostics and industrial applications.
Wide Range of Applications: From medical diagnostics to environmental testing and drug discovery, this technology is adaptable for various industries.
Compact and Scalable: The biosensor can be integrated into compact devices, making it ideal for portable diagnostic systems or large-scale industrial use.

A Critical Leap in Biosensor Technology

Licensing this graphene-based FET biosensor technology offers companies an opportunity to lead in the development of highly sensitive, real-time biosensing tools. Whether in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, or drug discovery, this technology provides the sensitivity and speed necessary to meet the demands of today’s scientific and industrial applications.

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Abstract
Claims

The disclosure provides a field-effect transistor (FET)-based biosensor and uses thereof. In particular, to FET-based biosensors using thermally reduced graphene-based sheets as a conducting channel decorated with nanoparticle-biomolecule conjugates. The present disclosure also relates to FET-based biosensors using metal nitride/graphene hybrid sheets. The disclosure provides a method for detecting a target biomolecule in a sample using the FET-based biosensor described herein.

We claim:

1. A field-effect transistor (FET)-based sensor, the sensor comprising: a nanostructure, nanoparticles in contact with the nanostructure, and one or more biomolecules in contact with the nanoparticles, wherein the nanostructure comprises a reduced graphene oxide sheet; and wherein the nanoparticles comprise gold.

2. The FET-based sensor of claim 1, wherein the nanostructure comprises a thermally-reduced graphene oxide sheet.

3. The FET-based sensor of claim 1, wherein the nanostructure comprises a metal nitride/graphene nanohybrid sheet.

4. The FET-based sensor of claim 3, wherein the metal nitride comprises titanium nitride (TiN), tantalum oxynitride (TaON) or gallium nitride (GaN).

5. The FET-based sensor of claim 4, wherein the metal nitride/graphene nanohybrid sheet comprises nitrogen-doped graphene (NG).

6. The FET-based sensor of claim 4, wherein the metal nitride/graphene nanohybrid sheet comprises TiN/NG.

7. The FET-based sensor of claim 1, wherein the biomolecule is selected from the group consisting of an DNA, protein, bacteria, virus, or fungi.

8. The FET-based sensor of claim 7, wherein the protein is one of an enzyme, a substrate, an antigen, an antibody, a ligand, an aptamer and a receptor.

9. The FET-based sensor of claim 8, wherein the protein comprises an antibody.

10. The FET-based sensor of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticle is in contact with the nanostructure by non-covalent bonding.

11. The FET-based sensor of claim 10, wherein the nanoparticle is in contact with the nanostructure by van der Waal forces.

12. A method of detecting a target biomolecule in a sample, the method comprising:

(a) contacting the FET-based sensor of claim 1 with a sample containing or suspected of containing the target biomolecule; and

(b) monitoring a change in an electrical characteristic.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the change in an electrical characteristic as a function of time indicates the presence of the target biomolecule.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the electrical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of conductance, capacitance, potential, resistance, and inductance.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the sample is a gas sample or a liquid sample.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the method detects a target biomolecule selected from the group consisting of an enzyme, a substrate, an antigen, an antibody, a ligand, an aptamer, a receptor, a nucleic acid, and a microorganism.

17. A method of making the FET-based sensor of claim 1, the method comprising:

depositing the one or more nanoparticles conjugated with the one or more proteins onto the nanostructure.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more nanoparticles are deposited onto the nanostructure using electrospray and electrostatic force directed assembly (ESFDA) or drop-casting.

19. A field-effect transistor (FET)-based sensor, the sensor comprising: a nanostructure, nanoparticles electronically coupled to the nanostructure, and one or more probe molecules in contact with the nanoparticles, wherein the nanostructure comprises a reduced graphene oxide sheet, and wherein the nanoparticles comprise gold.

Title

Graphene-based field-effect transistor biosensors

Inventor(s)

Junhong Chen, Shun Mao, Ganhua Lu

Assignee(s)

UWM Research Foundation Inc

Patent #

9676621

Patent Date

June 13, 2017