Lab-on-a-Graphene: Functionalized Graphene Transistors and Their Application for Biosensing

Graphene is a two-dimensional material that exhibits the highest carrier mobility of any known material. The unique characteristics of graphene allow graphene field-effect transistors (G-FETs) to respond sensitively when charged molecules contact the graphene channel. This response characteristic holds promise for biosensing, which requires the highly sensitive detection of target biomolecules. This article reviews our recent achievements in G-FET biosensing. First, the basic principle behind G-FET biosensing is described. Next, we report several examples of biosensing using G-FETs in which DNA molecules, antibodies, and other receptors were separately immobilized onto graphene channels to allow selective detection of the respective target molecule. Finally, we describe the further functionalization of G-FETs for wireless operation and to provide flexible sensors. Functionalization of G-FETs by receptors and device structures led to a biosensing platform that the authors have named “lab-on-a-graphene.”