Development of hybrid electrospun nanofibers for sensor applications aiming at detecting contaminants in real samples

Abstract

Polymeric nanofibers produced by electrospinning and solution blow spinning are materials with attractive properties due to their special characteristics such as high surface area/volume ratio, mechanical flexibility and possibility of modification (surface or volumetric) with different materials, making it possible to obtain hybrid nanofibers functional. These nanofibers have great potential for use in sensors and biosensors for detecting analytes of agricultural and environmental interest. This project aims to develop composite and hybrid nanofibers, produced by electrospinning and solution blow spinning techniques, modified with nanomaterials (eg graphene and its derivatives, carbon nanotubes, metallic nanoparticles and semiconductor oxides, etc.), and/or biomolecules (such as enzymes, etc.). These functional hybrid nanofibers should be deposited on different electrodes (preferably low-cost and flexible ones) and coupled to wireless reading systems, aiming at the development of portable sensors and biosensors for detecting analytes of agricultural and environmental interest.