Graphene biosensors

• Applicants: Dr. Anna Cattani-Scholz; Professor Dr. Jose A. Garrido
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2010 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 172823229

The unique combination of properties like chemical stability, low level of electrical noise, biocompatibility, and excellent electronic performance, makes graphene a very suitable candidate for biosensing and bioelectronic applications. This project aims at the development of a graphene-based platform for biosensor applications. In particular, we will explore the use of high quality, large area graphene in applications requiring electrical and electrochemical sensing. To this end, the partial objectives of this proposal are i) the CVD growth and transfer technology for high quality graphene layers, ii) the demonstration of graphene devices exhibiting high performance, iii) the study of the graphene/electrolyte interface, iv) the control of graphene properties and functionality through chemical modifications and via interactions with substrates, and v) the development of ultra-sensitive nanoscale graphene sensors. The activities planned within this proposal are divided in two parts. The first (Cattani-Schotz/Stutzmann group) focuses on the preparation of high quality graphene together with the chemical functionalization of graphene surfaces. The other (Garrido group) focuses on the fabrication and characterization of arrays of nanoscale graphene devices (solution-gated FETs and electrodes), as well as the investigation of the electrochemical and electrical properties of the graphene/water interface. In summary, this project aims at the development of the technology and know-how for the preparation of graphene biosensors, paving the way for a different and highly promising field of applications for graphene.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1459: Graphen
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Martin Stutzmann