Periodic Reporting for period 1 - GraBBIng (2D GRAphene-Based devices for BiosensING cancer biomarkers)
Berichtszeitraum: 2022-09-01 bis 2025-08-31
Early detection of cancer is a central priority for European health policy, as earlier diagnosis is strongly associated with improved survival, reduced treatment burden and lower healthcare costs. Despite major advances in oncology, many current diagnostic approaches remain invasive, expensive or insufficiently sensitive to detect disease at its earliest stages. There is therefore a clear need for new diagnostic technologies that are accurate, scalable and compatible with routine clinical use.
MicroRNAs circulating in biological fluids have emerged as highly promising biomarkers for cancer detection, prognosis and treatment monitoring. However, their translation into clinical practice is still limited by the lack of sensing technologies that combine sensitivity, reproducibility and cost-effectiveness. Addressing this technological gap is essential to support EU strategies focused on cancer prevention, early detection and personalised medicine.
The GraBBIng project addressed this challenge by exploring the use of graphene oxide, a two-dimensional nanomaterial with unique physicochemical properties, as the basis for an innovative biosensing platform for cancer-related microRNAs. Graphene oxide offers key advantages relevant to EU strategic priorities: tunable surface chemistry, compatibility with low-cost manufacturing, and potential integration into compact diagnostic devices.
The overall objectives of the project were to:
advance the understanding of how graphene oxide functionalisation influences biomolecular sensing performance;
design and evaluate a biosensing architecture suitable for microRNA detection; and
generate experimental evidence to assess the feasibility and limitations of graphene-based biosensors for cancer diagnostics.
Through these objectives, the project aimed to establish a scientific and technological foundation for future development of next-generation diagnostic tools. The expected impact is long-term and strategic: supporting the transition towards earlier cancer detection, more personalised clinical decision-making and improved sustainability of healthcare systems. By contributing new knowledge at the interface of nanomaterials and biomedical sensing, GraBBIng strengthens Europe’s capacity to develop innovative health technologies aligned with EU cancer, health and innovation policies.
The project did not require the integration of social sciences and humanities, as it focused on materials engineering and biosensing technology. However, its outcomes are directly relevant to broader societal challenges, including public health, healthcare accessibility and innovation-driven economic growth.
MicroRNAs circulating in biological fluids have emerged as highly promising biomarkers for cancer detection, prognosis and treatment monitoring. However, their translation into clinical practice is still limited by the lack of sensing technologies that combine sensitivity, reproducibility and cost-effectiveness. Addressing this technological gap is essential to support EU strategies focused on cancer prevention, early detection and personalised medicine.
The GraBBIng project addressed this challenge by exploring the use of graphene oxide, a two-dimensional nanomaterial with unique physicochemical properties, as the basis for an innovative biosensing platform for cancer-related microRNAs. Graphene oxide offers key advantages relevant to EU strategic priorities: tunable surface chemistry, compatibility with low-cost manufacturing, and potential integration into compact diagnostic devices.
The overall objectives of the project were to:
advance the understanding of how graphene oxide functionalisation influences biomolecular sensing performance;
design and evaluate a biosensing architecture suitable for microRNA detection; and
generate experimental evidence to assess the feasibility and limitations of graphene-based biosensors for cancer diagnostics.
Through these objectives, the project aimed to establish a scientific and technological foundation for future development of next-generation diagnostic tools. The expected impact is long-term and strategic: supporting the transition towards earlier cancer detection, more personalised clinical decision-making and improved sustainability of healthcare systems. By contributing new knowledge at the interface of nanomaterials and biomedical sensing, GraBBIng strengthens Europe’s capacity to develop innovative health technologies aligned with EU cancer, health and innovation policies.
The project did not require the integration of social sciences and humanities, as it focused on materials engineering and biosensing technology. However, its outcomes are directly relevant to broader societal challenges, including public health, healthcare accessibility and innovation-driven economic growth.
Work performed and main achievements
During the active phase of the fellowship, the project progressed through the initial design, preparation and experimental evaluation of a graphene-oxide-based biosensing concept. Key activities included:
the selection and optimisation of graphene oxide functionalisation strategies compatible with microRNA capture,
the design of a preliminary sensing architecture integrating functionalised graphene oxide as the active interface,
the fabrication of a first-generation prototype, and
the execution of pilot biosensing tests to evaluate feasibility, signal behaviour and stability.
These early experiments demonstrated proof-of-concept sensing activity and provided valuable insight into key technical challenges, such as surface uniformity, signal stability and optimisation requirements. Although full analytical validation and clinical testing could not be completed within the project timeframe, the work generated meaningful experimental knowledge and practical experience that inform future development.
In parallel, the project contributed to the researcher’s advanced training in nanomaterials, surface chemistry and biosensor engineering within an international research environment, strengthening Europe’s human capital in advanced materials and biomedical technologies.
During the active phase of the fellowship, the project progressed through the initial design, preparation and experimental evaluation of a graphene-oxide-based biosensing concept. Key activities included:
the selection and optimisation of graphene oxide functionalisation strategies compatible with microRNA capture,
the design of a preliminary sensing architecture integrating functionalised graphene oxide as the active interface,
the fabrication of a first-generation prototype, and
the execution of pilot biosensing tests to evaluate feasibility, signal behaviour and stability.
These early experiments demonstrated proof-of-concept sensing activity and provided valuable insight into key technical challenges, such as surface uniformity, signal stability and optimisation requirements. Although full analytical validation and clinical testing could not be completed within the project timeframe, the work generated meaningful experimental knowledge and practical experience that inform future development.
In parallel, the project contributed to the researcher’s advanced training in nanomaterials, surface chemistry and biosensor engineering within an international research environment, strengthening Europe’s human capital in advanced materials and biomedical technologies.
The GraBBIng project contributed beyond the current state of the art by advancing early experimental understanding of how graphene oxide can be specifically engineered for microRNA biosensing, rather than being used as a generic sensing or coating material. Existing approaches often rely on complex, expensive or poorly scalable technologies, whereas graphene oxide offers a promising route towards simpler and more adaptable diagnostic platforms.
The project generated new insight into the relationship between graphene oxide surface chemistry and biosensing performance, highlighting how functionalisation strategies directly affect signal stability, sensitivity and reproducibility. These findings helped to identify critical technical bottlenecks—such as surface uniformity and signal drift—that must be addressed to translate graphene-based biosensors from laboratory concepts into reliable diagnostic tools.
Although the work remained at an early, proof-of-concept stage, the results provide a solid foundation for further research and development. Future uptake and success will require continued optimisation of the sensing architecture, larger-scale validation studies, and integration into clinically relevant formats. Additional steps may include access to translational funding, engagement with clinical partners, and alignment with regulatory and standardisation frameworks for in vitro diagnostics.
Overall, the project strengthens the scientific knowledge base around graphene-based biosensing and supports Europe’s long-term capacity to develop innovative, accessible diagnostic technologies that can contribute to earlier disease detection and improved healthcare outcomes.
The project generated new insight into the relationship between graphene oxide surface chemistry and biosensing performance, highlighting how functionalisation strategies directly affect signal stability, sensitivity and reproducibility. These findings helped to identify critical technical bottlenecks—such as surface uniformity and signal drift—that must be addressed to translate graphene-based biosensors from laboratory concepts into reliable diagnostic tools.
Although the work remained at an early, proof-of-concept stage, the results provide a solid foundation for further research and development. Future uptake and success will require continued optimisation of the sensing architecture, larger-scale validation studies, and integration into clinically relevant formats. Additional steps may include access to translational funding, engagement with clinical partners, and alignment with regulatory and standardisation frameworks for in vitro diagnostics.
Overall, the project strengthens the scientific knowledge base around graphene-based biosensing and supports Europe’s long-term capacity to develop innovative, accessible diagnostic technologies that can contribute to earlier disease detection and improved healthcare outcomes.