PIX2025 - Smart Graphene-Based Biosensors Powered by AI for Rapid Pathogen Diagnostics - (PREX2024-000157)

This PhD project focuses on the development of advanced portable biosensors using graphene field-effect transistors (g-FETs) for ultra-sensitive, fast, and non-invasive detection of viral pathogens such as HIV and HCV. By combining chemically functionalized graphene surfaces with low-cost electronics and AI, the project aims to deliver real-time, point-of-care diagnostic solutions. The student will participate in both experimental and computational work: electrical characterization of g-FETs, covalent UHV-biofunctionalization of graphene, signal acquisition and sensing of pathogens, design and fabrication of custom PCBs, and implementation of AI algorithms for signal denoising, feature extraction, and automated classification. Research will take place at the highly interdisciplinary ICMM-CSIC, leveraging cutting-edge nanofabrication facilities, biochemical and UHV labs, and GPU-equipped computing resources. Strong collaborations with major hospitals will lead to validate the technology with real clinical samples. Training will span nanoscience, surface chemistry, bioelectronics, and machine learning for biomedical applications. This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface of materials science, biotechnology, advanced electronics and AI, contributing to disruptive diagnostic technologies with direct societal impact. The project also opens potential applications in environmental monitoring and food safety, broadening the reach of this innovative biosensing platform.