Recent advances in graphene-based field-effect transistor sensors for biomolecules and organic molecules detection

Abstract

Graphene-based field-effect transistor (GFET) is characterized by the atomic-scale thickness, excellent chemical/thermal stability, large specific surface area, and superior electrical/optical properties of graphene with the exceptional signal amplification capability of FET, and it has become a research hotspot in the detection of biomolecules and organic molecules. GFET sensors enable label-free, real-time and highly sensitive detection of trace-level target molecules, with broad application prospects in biomedicine, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Herein, we review the fundamental device structures and sensing mechanisms of GFET sensors and their latest research advances in the detection of biomolecules (nucleic acids, proteins, and pathogens) and organic molecules (biotoxins, pesticides, antibiotics, and neurotransmitters) over the past several years (2020 – present). We discuss the current challenges and future perspectives in this field as well.