#25-06Analytical and structural characterization of sensors for health care applications
Addressed topics: Electronics, Micro- and Nanoelectronics, Nano technology
Student Assistance Bachelor-Thesis Master-Thesis Diploma Thesis
Sensors play a pivotal role in modern
analytical sciences, particularly in the development of high-performance
platforms for detecting biological and chemical analytes. Applications span healthcare,
environmental monitoring, breath diagnostics (breathomics), and industrial
safety. Whether detecting biomarkers in body fluids or volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath, target molecules are typically found at
trace concentrations, often in complex sample matrices. This necessitates the
design of sensing systems that are highly sensitive, selective, and robust
under diverse operating conditions. Nanomaterial-based sensor platforms, such
as carbon nanotube (CNT)-based field-effect transistors (FETs), emerged as
promising candidates, enabling the development of compact, label-free, and
real-time sensors suitable for point-of-care diagnostics and opening doors for
wearable health technologies.
This project work or master's thesis
focuses on the analytical and structural characterization of such
nanoengineered sensors tailored for biological sensing or gas detection
applications. The work includes the selective functionalization of sensor surfaces,
optimization of sensor interface chemistry, and evaluation of device
performance in liquid or gaseous environments. The device functionalization and
structural modifications are studied via microscopy analysis, Raman
spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and the sensor response is monitored via
electrical measurements. The goal is to correlate surface structure and
composition with sensing behavior, contributing to a multimodal understanding
of sensor performance.
What will you do:
·
Conduct
a literature review on sensor technologies, nanomaterials, and surface
functionalization
·
Prepare
and handle solutions or gas mixtures for sensor testing
·
Execute
fabrication processes, optimize parameters, and carry out experimental analysis
·
Present
your results regularly in scientific meetings and seminars
What you bring along:
·
You
are studying physics, chemistry, materials science, biosciences, or a related
discipline
·
Interest
in micro- and nanotechnology, surface analysis, and analytical characterization
methods
·
An
organized, data-driven, and proactive working style
·
Strong
English reading and comprehension skills
What you can expect:
·
Work
with advanced nanomaterial-based sensing platforms for biological and chemical
applications
·
Gain
hands-on experience with surface characterization techniques (Raman, AFM,
microscopy) and electrical measurements
·
Collaborate
in an interdisciplinary research team with opportunities to contribute your own
ideas
·
Professional
supervision and a varied range of tasks
·
Flexible
working hours that support the compatibility of studies and practice
Contact
Letícia Alves da Silva
leticia.alves-da-silva@…