Graphene and MoS2-based cell-on-chip electrochemical sensors for detecting post-operative complications

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NERv is a biomedical device startup based in Waterloo that has developed a series of sensors over the past two years that are specifically geared towards the detection of complications that can arise after surgery. Complications are inferred by the detection of changes in pH or the presence of bacteria. Through the proposed collaboration with the Pope Group at the University of Waterloo, experts in the synthesis, processing and electrochemistry of 2D materials such as graphene and molybdenum disulfide, NERv aims to develop a new set of materials, processes and device architectures to achieve improved sensing performance. The main goal of the collaborative work will be to improve the device sensitivity and selectivity over their current sensors while reducing the device cost and footprint. To achieve this, the Pope Group will develop coatings of single layer graphene and molybdenum disulfide whose electronic propertis exhibit extreme sensitivity to environmental stimuli. These films will be functionalized with chemicals that are selective to either bacteria or pH and capable of eliciting a significant response. The Waterloo and NERv teams will assemble and demonstrate prototype sensors embedded in NERv's chip-based technology at the end of the project. The resulting E. coli and pH sensors developed in this project will provide a competitive technology to the Canadian healthcare system which will help to significantly mitigate many of the risks of surgery. The successful commercialization of this technology will provide benefits worldwide, a result that is expected to generate significant revenues for Canadian businesses having a positive impact on job growth and improving the Canadian economy.