Role of Graphene in Surface Plasmon Resonance-Based Biosensors

Abstract

This work explores the transformative role of graphene in enhancing the performance of surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based biosensors. The motivation for this review stems from the growing interest in the unique properties of graphene, such as high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and versatile functionalization capabilities, which offer significant potential to improve the sensitivity, specificity, and stability of SPR biosensors. This review systematically analyzes studies published between 2010 and 2023, covering key metrics of biosensor performance. The findings reveal that the integration of graphene consistently enhances sensitivity. Specificity, although less frequently reported numerically, showed promising results, with high specificity achieved at sub-nanomolar concentrations. Stability enhancements are also significant, attributed to the protective properties of graphene and improved biomolecule adsorption. Future research should focus on mechanistic insights, optimization of integration techniques, practical application testing, scalable fabrication methods, and comprehensive comparative studies. Our findings provide a foundation for future research, aiming to further optimize and harness the unique physical properties of graphene to meet the demands of sensitive, specific, stable, and rapid biosensing in various practical applications.