Alejandro Criado
Title: “Chemical Innovations in Graphene for Enhanced FET Biosensor Diagnostics”
Abstract:
Graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) have emerged as prominent diagnostic tools due to their remarkable sensitivity, selectivity, low detection limits, and suitability for in vivo applications. These attributes stem largely from graphene’s high carrier mobility and additional properties such as biocompatibility, transparency, and flexibility. Consequently, GFETs can effectively detect various biomolecules, including proteins, DNA, and small molecules, with exceptional specificity and sensitivity across diverse media.
Achieving mandatory functionalization of graphene with various receptors or biorecognition elements has been accomplished through diverse chemical approaches, such as covalent binding, non-covalent binding, and electrostatic adsorption. However, the challenge remains in identifying the optimal immobilization strategy for receptors, as not all graphene chemistry strategies readily translate to transistor modification.
Through meticulous control of graphene functionalization and device design optimization, we have developed a range of GFET microarrays capable of detecting small molecules like neurotransmitters and air pollutants, as well as viruses, with remarkably low detection limits. These results could lay the basis for a new class of analytical platforms based on precisely engineered modifications of graphene. Such platforms hold significant potential for detecting a wide array of pathogens and biomarkers even before their isolation, thereby offering valuable contributions to health and environmental monitoring, as well as to the fight against future pandemics.
Bio: Dr Alejandro Criado received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (2013) at the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). From 2013 to 2020, he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Trieste and CICbiomaGUNE research center. In 2021, he started his independent research career as Distinguished Researcher at CICA – Interdisciplinary Center of Chemistry and Biology, Universidade da Coruña, co-leading NanoSelf group. Currently, he is a Ramon y Cajal Researcher at Chemistry Department at Universidade da Coruña. His research interests focus on the new methods for preparing and modifying low-dimensional materials to tailor their properties, along with the development of graphene-based sensors.
Affiliation: Center for Advanced Scientific Research (CICA), University of Coruña, Spain
