Integration of highly sensitive large-area graphene-based biosensors in an automated sensing platform

• Published in: Measurement : journal of the International Measurement Confederation 2025-01, Vol.240, p.115592, Article 115592
• Main Authors: Meincke, Melanie, Bazzone, Andre, Holzhauser, Stephan, Barthmes, Maria, Richter, Lars, Knechtel, Fabian, Ploetz, Evelyn, George, Michael, Fertig, Niels, Kamińska, Izabela, Tinnefeld, Philip
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biosensors; Graphene; SGFET; SSM technology
• ISSN: 0263-2241
• DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2024.115592

•Integrated large-area graphene transistors into an existing automated sensing platform, showcasing a novel biosensor application.•Demonstrated sensitivity & reliability of large-area graphene sensors for picomolar detection.•Sensors offer exceptional biocompatibility & robustness, suitable for practical use.•Sensors were tested with analytes including electrolytic buffers, proteins, and single-stranded DNA, ensuring their performance meets the high standards required for practical application and advancing biosensing technologies. Graphene-based biosensors, featuring exceptional electronic, mechanical, and surface properties, have emerged as frontrunners in advanced sensing technologies. However, to achieve widespread industrial adoption, advancements in the fabrication and integration of large-area graphene devices are essential. Critical parameters such as enhanced sensitivity, scalable production methods, economic viability, integration capabilities, and consistent uniformity must be meticulously addressed. In this work, we demonstrate that our ultra-clean, chemical wet transfer protocol of large-area graphene enables a scalable, smooth integration of graphene into an established assay platform for transporter protein drug discovery. Furthermore, we demonstrate sensitive detection of electrolytic buffers, varying pH, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) adsorption, using our large-area graphene solution-gated field-effect transistor (SGFET) sensors, thereby proving their robust and reliable performance. The sensors’ biocompatibility and ion sensitivity, down to the picomolar range, substantiate their suitability for the investigation of electroactive transport in ion channels and membrane transporters.