CHAPTER 5. Graphitic Material-based Disposable Sensors

With an emphasis on affordability, ease-of-use, and rapidity, sensors are critical in the detection of analytes for a vast range of biological and chemical phenomena. Particularly, disposable sensors have become a significant part of health monitoring and medical diagnostics. These sensors need to detect and provide reliable information with repeatability, while retaining mechanical compliance. The design of disposable sensors begins with the materials used to fabricate them. Various strategies have been adopted to research and continuously improve on disposable sensors. Progress and development almost always begin with tuning the type of the materials and detection strategies used on the sensing surface. Graphitic nanomaterials have enormous potential in terms of tunability of their electronic and optical properties. Furthermore, their physical and chemical properties enable the possibility of various chemical functionalization chemistries in surface preparation for detecting target biomolecules. These nanomaterials are researched mainly due to their ease-of-processing, ability to enhance minuscule signals, and integration into various biological and chemical recognition elements. We discuss the evolution and on-going research efforts and future of graphitic nanomaterial based disposable sensors. Properties that make these materials apt candidates for various health monitoring applications will be highlighted. Additionally, we touch base with the future trends of graphitic nanomaterial disposable sensors and the factors that will make them an indispensable part of human survival.