Enhanced single molecule detection with integrated 2D materials

Most prevalent molecular detection systems rely upon fluorescence, label free approaches would open up a far greater range of molecules that can be studied. The importance of which is unequivocal, allowing for the probing of biomolecular processes, underpinning function. Further still the incorporation of 2D materials and their heterostructures offers great potential and added functionality to current techniques. Along with enabling the development of new detection strategies.
This project will make use of the unique properties offered by 2D materials, as well as, tailoring them in the form of heterostructures to provide platforms for examining the elementary constituents of complex heterogenous biomolecular mixtures. Such functionality will be achieved by employing state-of-the-art micro/nano fabrication, producing 2D incorporated fluid manipulation devices.
The development of which will provide unique insights into various biomedical questions, from cancer and developmental biology to the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies and probing the onset of neurodegeneration.

Our vision is to take graphene from a state of raw potential to a point where it can revolutionise flexible, wearable and transparent (opto)electronics, with a manifold return in innovation and exploitation. Such change in the paradigm of device manufacturing may revolutionise the global industry. The importance of graphene was recognised by the 2011 statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer launching the initiative that lead to the funding of the Cambridge Graphene Centre, where the proposed Graphene Technology CDT will be based. The aim is take graphene and related materials from "the British laboratory" to the "British factory floor". Not only does our vision align with this mandate, but it also exploits and strengthens several key areas of national importance where the UK has recognised excellence, such as printed electronics, energy and RF & Microwave Communications. Thus, we will strive for both economic impact, by stimulating new UK-manufactured high-value products, and societal benefits, by utilising graphene in potentially many areas including security, energy efficiency and quality of life.
The beneficiaries of our proposal will be of course the cohorts of students that will be trained every year, but will extend more widely. Considering the private sector, we have already indentified tens of companies that will benefit from our work. To achieve the final goal of graphene-technology, and to ease the transition to commercialisation, we have strong alignment with industry needs and engage them as project partners of the CDT: Dyson, Novalia, Plastic Logic, Nokia, Toshiba, BAE Systems, Aixtron, PEL, Nanocyl, IdTechEx, Philips, Dupont, CambridgeIP, Polyfect, Agilent, Nippon Kayaku, Victrex, IMEC. Many more are also partnering with the Cambridge Graphene Centre, and even more are expected to join and benefit directly or indirectly from our work. We consider the civilian sectors of healthcare, telecommunications, energy and homeland security to be those in which applications based on graphene can make significant impact on society at large. There are also applications in defence, especially in secure communications and radars. This will foster competitiveness and enhance quality of life. In particular, the proposed CDT will be of prime interest to industries dealing with the following devices and applications: 1. Mobile communications, wireless sensor networks, including wearable devices. 2. Nano-structured materials for light and microwave energy harvesting. 3. Active and reconfigurable microwave, terahertz and optical materials, including advanced antenna applications for radar and communications.
Policy-makers, within international, national, local government will also benefit. If the vision of graphene as the material of the 21st century is fulfilled, there will be a need for its properties, benefits, applications and advantageousness compared to current technology to be known by the relevant public bodies. For example, any new policy on energy saving, or mobile communications may need to include a reference to the benefits, or limitations, of graphene-based devices.
Economic resilience and innovation require post-doctoral researchers and students trained in new areas. We will contribute to increasing the talent pool for the future graphene industry. The proposed doctoral training centre will provide unique training to students in various aspects of graphene technology: from graphene nanotechnology to energy, RF/microwave and (opto)electronics. This will develop many skilled researchers over the project lifetime, who will stimulate the sustainability of UK graphene engineering research and future commercialisation opportunities across a variety of sectors.