Graphene is a two-dimensional material that has attracted significant interest in recent years due to its unique properties, including high strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. It has also been used as a platform for various applications such as electronics, sensors, and energy storage.
(how does using graphene to detect als relate to chemistry)
One application of graphene that has gained widespread attention is its potential to detect diseases. For example, researchers have proposed using graphene-based sensors to detect alzeimia, a neurodegenerative disease that causes gradual loss of cognitive function. Graphene-based sensors can potentially detect changes in the levels of glucose or other biomarkers that are indicative of alzeimia.
To achieve this, researchers would first create graphene nanosheets using a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD). These nanosheets would be then functionalized with enzymes that catalyze the conversion of glucose into glucose-1-phosphate, which can be detected by specific antibodies.
Once the graphene nanosheets are functionalized with enzymes, they can be subjected to different conditions such as pH, temperature, and substrate concentration to investigate their sensitivity and selectivity for glucose. By monitoring these parameters, researchers can determine how well the sensors respond to glucose and other biomarkers associated with alzeimia.
One limitation of using graphene-based sensors to detect alzeimia is their sensitivity. The sensitivity of graphene-based sensors to glucose is limited by the amount of enzyme bound to the nanosheets. To improve sensitivity, researchers could explore new methods such as incorporating multiple copies of enzymes onto the same surface of the graphene nanosheet.
Another challenge in using graphene-based sensors to detect alzeimia is the cost of creating the necessary samples. The cost of graphene synthesis varies depending on the method used, but it can be relatively expensive compared to traditional sensing techniques. However, researchers may be able to reduce the cost by exploring new synthesis methods or developing scalable production processes.
(how does using graphene to detect als relate to chemistry)
In conclusion, graphene has great potential to be used as a platform for detecting diseases such as alzeimia. By creating functionalized graphene nanosheets that are sensitive to glucose and other biomarkers, researchers can develop accurate and reliable detection systems for this important condition. While there are still challenges to overcome in terms of sensitivity and cost, the development of graphene-based sensors promises to revolutionize the field of medical diagnostics.
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