Electrolyte-Gated Graphene FETs for Acetylcholine Detection via Functional Layer-assisted Transfer Approach

Arslanova K, Shkodra B, Klenk S, Knirsch K, Hirsch A, Kohler-Karaaslan A, Amend N, Steinritz D, Stimpel-Lindner T, Duesberg GS (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

IEEE Sensors Letters IEEE

DOI: 10.1109/LSENS.2026.3653458

Abstract

Acetylcholine (ACh) detection is essential for studying the cholinergic system and diagnosing neurodegen erative disorders. Here, we present a graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) biosensor functionalized with acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) enzyme for label-free ACh sensing. To preserve the intrinsic properties of graphene and enhance biosensor performance, we employ a Functional Layer-assisted Transfer (FLaT) strategy. This approach enables direct post-growth functionalization of graphene with a perylene bisimide (PBI) linker, preventing contamination during transfer and serving as a stable, non-covalent anchoring layer for biofunctionalization. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirm a cleaner and more uniform surface for FLaT-treated graphene compared to non-functionalized graphene, while Raman spectroscopy verifies the high quality of the CVD-grown material. AChE enzymes are covalently attached to the PBI layer using carbodiimide cross-linker chemistry. The successful surface chemistry was confirmed by AFM and X-ray electron spectroscopy (XPS). The resulting enzyme-functionalized, electrolyte-gated GFETs operate at low gate voltages (∼1V), making them well-suited for biosensing in aqueous environments. They exhibit calibrated responses to ACh concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1000 μM, effectively covering the physiologically relevant range found in the central nervous system. This work demonstrates the potential of the FLaT based GFET platform for sensitive, stable, and scalable neurotransmitter detection.

Authors with CRIS profile

Kathrin Knirsch Lehrstuhl für Organische Chemie II Andreas Hirsch Lehrstuhl für Organische Chemie II

Involved external institutions

Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie der Bundeswehr / Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the German Armed Forces DE Germany (DE) Universität der Bundeswehr München DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Arslanova, K., Shkodra, B., Klenk, S., Knirsch, K., Hirsch, A., Kohler-Karaaslan, A.,... Duesberg, G.S. (2026). Electrolyte-Gated Graphene FETs for Acetylcholine Detection via Functional Layer-assisted Transfer Approach. IEEE Sensors Letters. https://doi.org/10.1109/LSENS.2026.3653458

MLA:

Arslanova, Ksenija, et al. "Electrolyte-Gated Graphene FETs for Acetylcholine Detection via Functional Layer-assisted Transfer Approach." IEEE Sensors Letters (2026).

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