Graphene-based field-effect transistor biosensors for the rapid detection and analysis of viruses: A perspective in view of COVID-19

Abstract: Current situation of COVID-19 demands a rapid, reliable, cost-effective, facile detection strategy to break the transmission chain and biosensor has emerged as a feasible solution for this purpose. Introduction of nanomaterials has undoubtedly improved the performance of biosensor and the addition of graphene enhanced the sensing ability to a peerless level. Amongst different graphene-based biosensing schemes, graphene field-effect transistor marked its unique presence owing to its ability of ultrasensitive and low-noise detection thereby facilitating instantaneous measurements even in the presence of small amounts of analytes. Recently, graphene field-effect transistor type biosensor is even successfully employed in rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 and this triggers the interest of the scientific community in reviewing the current developments in graphene field-effect transistor. Subsequently, in this article, the recent progress in graphene field-effect transistor type biosensors for the detection of the virus is reviewed and challenges along with their strengths are discussed.

Graphene-based Field-effect Transistor Biosensors for Rapid Virus Detection

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of graphene-based field-effect transistors (GFETs) as biosensors for the rapid detection and analysis of viruses, particularly within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores various graphene-based biosensing strategies, discusses recent advancements, and evaluates the challenges and strengths inherent in these technologies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for rapid, reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic technologies to break the chain of transmission. Traditional methods like immunological assays and amplification-based techniques either require complex production routes or expensive instrumentation, further exacerbating their resource-intensive nature. Biosensors present a feasible alternative, offering simplicity, reliability, and high accuracy with the integration of nanomaterials enhancing their performance.

Graphene's unique properties, including high conductivity, mechanical strength, and large specific surface area, make it an ideal candidate for biosensing applications. Notably, the paper emphasizes the noteworthy advancements in graphene synthesis methods, which reduce production costs by up to 95.5%, potentially enabling widespread deployment in resource-constrained settings.

GFET biosensors stand out for their ultrasensitive detection capabilities and low noise levels, making them advantageous for real-time monitoring of viruses like SARS-CoV-2. The paper meticulously documents the use of GFETs for detecting various viruses such as HIV, influenza, Ebola virus, and more, outlining impressive detection limits down to femtomolar concentrations in some cases. The robustness of GFETs as point-of-care diagnostics is highlighted, detailing their scalability, rapid response time, and low-cost maintenance.

However, challenges persist, particularly in maintaining uniformity in graphene synthesis, sample preparation, and managing non-specific interactions in real virus environments. The potential for cross-contamination also necessitates careful consideration, especially when implementing cartridge-type biosensors which mitigate these risks through disposable components.

The paper concludes with an optimistic outlook on GFET biosensors, foreseeing their expanded use and integration with IoT technologies for enhanced virus detection capabilities. It suggests collaborative efforts between various domains—physics, chemistry, material science, engineering, and medical research—to further refine and advance these biosensor technologies.

In summary, this paper serves as a crucial reference point for understanding the transformative role of graphene-based biosensors in the realm of viral diagnostics, with specific applications to the current and future pandemics. The future development of GFET biosensors is likely to hinge on overcoming existing synthesis challenges and integrating sophisticated detection mechanisms to ensure effective deployment in diverse settings.