Innovative Biosensors Emerge as R&D Activities Accelerate among Universities Worldwide

Biosensors have emerged as boon for mankind, and thanks to the relentless efforts from scientists and researchers who developed bio electronics devices and chips for different applications. From brain-machine interfaces to detection of damage caused by traumatic brain injuries, new applications of biosensors are emerging from different universities worldwide. Scientists and researchers have been endeavoring to develop biosensors by overcoming different challenges in terms of skin resistance, corrosion, durability, and others. Newly-developed biosensors have been finely tuned to offer optimal and reliable performance and accurate sensing capabilities. From robotics to healthcare, biosensors can be integrated into semiconductor device and utilized for various applications. The development of innovative biosensors will continue in the coming years. Following are some of the developments taking place across the world.

• 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.

Related Post