Ultra sensitive biosensor from molybdenite semiconductor developed 2014
Description:
An atomically thin, two-dimensional, ultrasensitive semiconductor material for biosensing developed by researchers at UC Santa Barbara promises to push the boundaries of biosensing technology in many fields, from health care to environmental protection to forensic industries.
Based on molybdenum disulfide or molybdenite (MoS2), the biosensor material -- used commonly as a dry lubricant -- surpasses graphene's already high sensitivity, offers better scalability and lends itself to high-volume manufacturing. Results of the researchers' study have been published in ACS Nano.
"This invention has established the foundation for a new generation of ultrasensitive and low-cost biosensors that can eventually allow single-molecule detection -- the holy grail of diagnostics and bioengineering research," said Samir Mitragotri, co-author and professor of chemical engineering and director of the Center for Bioengineering at UCSB. "Detection and diagnostics are a key area of bioengineering research at UCSB and this study represents an excellent example of UCSB's multifaceted competencies in this exciting field."
