- Biosensors for brain-machine interface applications
The development of novel biosensors is one of the recent trends taking place worldwide. These biosensors are expected to drive innovations in various fields. The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) developed a carbon-based biosensor. This biosensor is attached to face and head for detection of electrical signals transmitted by the brain. These signals can be used for giving commands to autonomous robots. Epitaxial graphene, made of multiple layers of strong and thin carbon, is utilized in development of this biosensor. The developers highlighted that they developed highly scalable technology by overcoming challenges such as durability, corrosion, and skin-contact resistance.
Professor Francesca Lacopi, the head of the research team, stated that the contact resistance improves when the sensor is attached to the skin. This implies that the electric signals can be gathered and amplified. Moreover, they possess an ability to work in harsh conditions. These features led the biosensor to be utilized in potential applications of brain-machine interfaces.
- Biosensors to monitor traumatic brain injuries
The development of innovative biosensors
continues with scientists bringing tiny biosensor devices that can detect
biomarkers related to brain injuries. Researchers from the Ohio State
University developed
a waterproof biosensor for detection of changes in concentrations of
different chemicals in the body. The chip is as thin as human hair, which makes
it easy to use for minimally invasive procedures for brain. Scientists focused
on the usage of these biosensors for monitoring applications for patients
suffering from traumatic brain injuries. Jinghua Li, Assistant Professor of
Materials Science and Engineering at Ohio State and Co-author of the study,
outlined that secondary damages following a traumatic brain injury can occur.
If it occurs, it can be detected by changes in potassium and sodium ion
concentrations.
The biosensor developed by the scientists has an ability to detect changes in levels of these ions. It is one of the types of biochemical sensors that create an electrical signal upon detection of the chemical of interest. Moreover, it ignores chemicals generated from other biomarkers. For protection of the chip from the fluids in the brain, scientists utilized waterproof encapsulation made of silicon dioxide. Such innovative biosensors will help in adding value to lives of patients.
- Biosensors made easier to detecting blood disorders
Thrombin, found in increased
concentrations in the blood under abnormal conditions, is a crucial indicator
of blood disorders. Aptamer-based electrochemical biosensors, known for their
high sensitivity and low detection limit, are best suited to detect low
concentrations of thrombin. Scientists in Germany and Korea took these
biosensors to the next level in their new label-free design consisting of
laser-induced graphene, thus paving the way for their easy application in
point-of-care diagnostics.
The
aforementioned team of scientists, from University of Regensburg, Germany, and
Chung-Ang University, South Korea, designed a novel aptamer-based biosensor
consisting of a laser-induced graphene (LIG), a material that is highly porous
and can be fashioned in an interlocking manner to form what are called interdigitated
electrodes. Associate Professor Min-Ho Lee from Chung-Ang University, one of
the lead scientists on this study explains, LIG combines the high electrical
conductivity of graphene with an ultra-easy fabrication procedure that simply
requires a CO2 laser printer. In addition,
the high porosity and the interlocking design enhance the biosensor’s
sensitivity.
0 Comments