2D mos2 FET sensors for rapid acrylamide detection in water

Overview

This solution offers a next-generation electronic sensor platform built on two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide field-effect transistors (FETs) for detecting acrylamide in water. Acrylamide is a regulated contaminant commonly formed during high-temperature cooking and certain industrial processes, and rapid field-level detection is a persistent gap in water-quality monitoring. The proposed sensors aim to deliver laboratory-grade sensitivity in a compact, electronic format suitable for real-time water safety testing.

The core value proposition is fast, sensitive, and selective acrylamide screening at concentrations below 0.5 parts per billion, with results available in under five minutes. By leveraging scalable two-dimensional materials manufacturing and a novel surface functionalization chemistry, the platform is designed to move beyond bulky laboratory instrumentation toward deployable sensor arrays.

Technical specifications

Sensor architecture:

• Two-dimensional MoS2 channel material integrated into field-effect transistor device geometry
• Hexagonal boron nitride encapsulation film to stabilize the MoS2 channel and improve device reliability
• Pyrene-NHS ester linker chemistry for controlled surface immobilization of acrylamide recognition elements
• Molecularly imprinted polymer coatings to provide molecular-level selectivity against interfering species

Fabrication and performance:

• Scalable process demonstrated at approximately 100 devices per one-inch by two-inch silicon chip
• Electronic readout via conductivity change, enabling direct electrical signal interpretation
• Target sensitivity below 0.5 parts per billion
• Target response time within five minutes for in-situ detection
• Designed for selectivity, stability, and reusability in repeated measurement cycles

The underlying two-dimensional materials synthesis and universal functionalization workflow have previously been validated in DNA-detection FET sensors, providing a foundation for adapting the platform to small-molecule contaminants such as acrylamide.

Technology readiness level

The technology is at an early-to-mid development stage. Scalable fabrication of two-dimensional MoS2 and MoSe2 field-effect transistor devices has been demonstrated, and the functionalization approach using hexagonal boron nitride films and pyrene-NHS ester has been validated in DNA-sensing FET devices with a demonstrated sensitivity of one nanomolar and excellent selectivity. Remaining work focuses on adapting the functionalization and recognition layers specifically for acrylamide, characterizing response time, sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and reusability in synthetic water, and demonstrating performance in real-life drinking water systems. The platform is not yet commercially deployed and is best suited for collaborative development, pilot validation, and licensing partnerships.