Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors: Overview

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Overview

The primary aim of the Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors is to create powerful bioassays for point-of-care diagnostics and a variety of advanced handheld, environmental field microanalyzers. By interfacing three advanced technologies — nanomaterials, biomaterials and electronic transducers — we have the ability to create enhanced biosensors and nanobioelectronics. Sensors provide real-time, on-site detection and often eliminate the need for sample collection, preparation and laboratory analysis. These new devices must be small, robust, fast, and low power to deliver the analytical information in a simple and inexpensive manner.

The center was founded in 2004 with the recruitment of director Joseph Wang to ASU. Our research focuses on interfacing three advanced technologies: nanomaterials, biomaterials and electronic transducers. The enhanced biosensors and nanobioelectronics we are developing apply nanomaterials to the analysis of biomolecules. This research is at the interface between these technologies and disciplines such as biology, chemistry, nanotechnology and engineering and conducts fundamental studies for gaining the knowledge necessary for the predictable design and optimization of future bioelectronic detection devices.

Sensors couple a selective recognition element with a transducer, which transmits the signal. Such devices rely on the judicious and intimate coupling of a chemical or biological recognition layer and a physical transducer (for example, an electrode or fiber optic). We are working toward converting the selective chemical or biological recognition event into a useful electrical signal. Our researchers are exploring the use of different recognition elements, ranging from enzymes to aptamers, and exploring new signal-generation mechanisms for a rapid and simple label-free biodetection.

The development of advanced chemical sensors and biosensors thus requires proper attention to both the recognition layer and the physical transducer, as well as to the coupling of these recognition and transduction events through control of the surface chemistry and coverage. We are learning the fundamental aspects of the recognition and transduction events and developing and characterizing new permselective/protective coating and catalytic materials and new electrode transducers.

In developing the next generation of sensor devices, we strive to provide the training necessary for future advances in sensor technology. This training educates and motivates participating students and researchers to a career in sensor technology and nanotechnology. Our new interdisciplinary and collaborative research teams’ core areas include clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, security and surveillance, nanobioelectronics and nanobiotechnology, microchips and biofuel cells.

Sensors provide unlimited opportunities for monitoring health and making the world safer and cleaner. Sensor devices have a myriad of applications and a far-reaching impact across every aspect of our society, including clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring and security and surveillance. We are engaged in producing the best diagnostic platforms to protect the health of individuals and our environment, as well as aid national security and surveillance efforts.

Our vision for the future is to replace conventional blood tests with noninvasive and painless ones, relying on assays of saliva, tears or sweat. For example, in diabetes alone, more than 6 billion blood glucose assays are performed every year to help in the management of the disease, representing a $4 billion annual market. Future technologies will be dependent on the need to make smaller devices, smart sensors that can learn from the environment, adapt themselves, and provide instant alarm and feedback, such as activating an insulin pump in the case of diabetes management.

The new sensing devices will deliver diagnostics and monitoring information in a faster, simpler, inexpensive manner, allowing for decentralized testing and in situ monitoring. Bioelectronic devices also could be employed for driving biofuel cells, biotransformations, and perhaps even biocomputers. Nanomaterials are the most exciting frontier in terms of future opportunities. On-going efforts aimed at creating biomolecule-linked nanostructures should have a profound impact on the fields of sensor arrays, nanotechnology and nanoelectronics.

Clinical diagnostics
Environmental monitoring
Security and surveillance
Nanobioelectronics
Microchips
Biofuels cells