Towards Graphene-FET Health Sensors: Hardware and Implementation Considerations

Bioanalyte sensors that have achieved commercial success thus far comprise a subgroup of biosensors in which a biorecognition element is harnessed to enhance the accuracy of the measurement. Here, we will introduce the concept of biorecognition elements and how associated analyte binding events are transduced into measurable signals. Furthermore, we will explore how field effect transistors (FETs) based on graphene using liquid-gate configuration provide a transduction pathway with high sensitivity and relatively simple electronic hardware implementation. This discussion will provide several examples of graphene-FET biosensors, including glucose, pH, and amino acid sensors, and will include the cutting-edge research and development of novel sensing mechanisms based on transistor-like structures. Finally, given the promise of graphene-FET health sensors, we describe several criteria that must be met before graphene-FETs, or any new device material, can be considered medical devices. Hardware implementation (integration), biocompatibility, biostability, and compatibility with common medical imaging modalities are all part of this.