Biomimetic Biosensors

Engineered synthetic receptors for selective, robust molecular sensing.

Biological receptors offer exceptional selectivity, but they can be costly and sensitive to storage and operating conditions. We develop robust synthetic alternatives using molecular imprinting, in which polymers are formed around target molecules to create binding sites that complement their shape and chemical functionality. These synthetic receptors can provide antibody-like molecular recognition while offering greater stability, scalable fabrication, and adaptability to new targets. We combine molecular imprinting with computational modeling, machine learning, and electronic transduction to accelerate the development of next-generation biosensors.

Detecting gases at parts-per-billion concentrations is challenging; achieving selective detection in humid, variable environments containing chemically similar interferents is even more demanding. We engineer nanostructured metal-oxide sensing materials by tuning composition, dopants, heterostructures, and defect chemistry to control gas–surface interactions and sensing responses. These materials are integrated into sensor arrays and compact sensing systems for applications ranging from hydrogen monitoring in clean-energy infrastructure to volatile organic compound detection for environmental, industrial, and health-related applications.

Data-Driven Sensor Engineering

Machine learning for materials discovery and complex sensor signals.

Developing new sensing materials often requires many rounds of synthesis, characterization, and testing, while individual sensors rarely achieve perfect selectivity. We use machine learning in two complementary ways: to guide materials development by linking fabrication conditions and material properties to sensing performance, and to extract molecular information from complex, transient sensor responses. Our goal is to accelerate materials optimization, enable reliable multiplexed detection, and develop sensing systems whose behavior can be understood and interpreted.

A sensing material that performs well on the benchtop must ultimately function in realistic environments and user-friendly formats. We integrate molecularly selective materials with flexible electrodes, laser-induced graphene, printed conductors, 3D-printed structures, and compact electrochemical readout systems. These technologies enable portable and multi-analyte platforms for continuous health monitoring, wearable sensing, and point-of-care testing.