Graphene-Based Materials in Biosensing, Bioimaging, and Therapeutics

Abstract

Biomedical research has become extremely important in these days due to its direct impact on human health. The quest for the development of sophisticated materials for sensitive sensing, selective imaging and effective therapeutics has led to the creation of a unique class of materials known as graphene-based materials (GBMs). GBMs can be broadly classified into three groups: graphene-based nanocomposites, graphene quantum dots, and graphene-wrapped hybrids. These materials possess remarkable electrical, physical, and chemical properties, which can be exploited to develop efficient sensors, probes, and drugs. In this chapter, a detailed account about the synthetic strategies of these materials along with the mechanisms governing their performance in biosensing, bioimaging, and therapeutics is presented. The chapter highlights the suitability of GBMs in non-conventional and emerging techniques such as nonlinear photonics and photoacoustic imaging. The GBMs can also be employed to fabricate synergistic materials that are capable of simultaneous imaging and therapeutic actions. Therefore, the GBMs provide a promising platform for cutting-edge developments in the field of biomedical research.