Graphene Nano-Biosensors for Detection of Cancer Risk

Abstract

Biosensor diagnostics based on bio-functionalized semiconductor devices are an important development in ultrasensitive sensors for early detection of disease biomarkers. Electrochemical devices using chemically modified graphene (CMG) channels are excellent candidates for nanobiosensors. This paper presents the development of novel antibody functionalized epitaxial graphene devices for bio-sensing applications. Epitaxial graphene has been grown on silicon carbide (SiC) substrates under high vacuum and high temperature conditions (1200 – 1700°C). A generic electrochemical surface functionalisation chemistry, which can be used to attach a variety of “bio-receptors” to graphitic surfaces, has been developed. The attached bio-receptors are capable of specific and selective interaction with disease biomarkers. When a target biomarker molecule interacts with the “bio-receptor” functionalized surface, the charge density at that surface is affected. This change can be detected as an electrical signal from the biosensor, enabling highly sensitive (nM) detection of biomarker analytes. This paper reports the fabrication of graphene channel sensors for detection of disease biomarkers.