Heterostructure Nano-photoelectronic Biosensor for Single Molecule Detection

The key research goal of the project hNanoBio is to enhance the leadership and research capability of the Marie Curie Fellow, via implementing a highly challenging and innovative research project focused on the development of ultrasensitive heterojunction transistors by exploring heterostructure 2D materials and novel photoelectronic transistors for single molecule detection and clinical applications with whole blood in hospital settings. Pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest aggressive solid tumours, is the third-leading cause of cancer-related mortality around the world. Earlier diagnosis can enable more effective surgery and subsequently improved survival. However, current diagnostic approaches are laborious, costly, time-consuming and difficult to identify small lesions. There is an urgent need for rapid, highly sensitive, and reliable approaches to overcome those drawbacks. Nanomaterials have attracted enormous attention due to their unique mechanical, optoelectronic and chemical properties. In particular, 2D materials have been recently explored as a new platform for building the next-generation biosensors. This project will exploit new emerging opportunities with the integration of photoelectronic technologies and heterostructure 2D materials to develop highly sensitive, rapid and promising performance biosensors for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The Fellow will be trained in the fast growing nano-photonics science, technology and bio-application area at the host - Nottingham Trent University, UK, with further three well-designed interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral secondments in academic/industry/hospital scenarios.