Graphene / MoS2 heterostructures for DNA detection

Researchers have fabricated a graphene/MoS₂ heterostructure for label-free selective detection of DNA hybridization. The graphene protected the MoS₂ from ambient moisture and oxygen and acted as a biocompatible host for the DNA molecules.  The photoluminescence intensity from the MoS₂ layer increased with increased concentration of target DNA. The differentiation of complementary and one-base mismatched DNA with the graphene/MoS₂ heterostructure could be performed at a concentration as low as 1 attomole.

Graphene/MoS2 Heterostructures for Ultrasensitive Detection of DNA Hybridisation; P.T.K. Loan et al, Advanced Materials; DOI: 10.1002/adma.201401084

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201401084/abstract 

Graphenes in biology

Kostas Kostarelos and Kostya Novoselov discuss the difficulties of investigating how graphenes interact with biological systems. This family of materials can be produced in different ways, which control their thickness, size and surface functionalization all of which will modify cell-material interactions. Article also touches on issues of biodegradation and safety.

http://www.sciencemag.org/content/344/6181/261.full

Exploring the interface of graphene and biology; K. Kostarelos and K Novoselov; Science; Vol. 344 no. 6181 pp. 261-263; 2014.