2D material-based sensing technology innovation roadmap for biomedical applications

This publication was published in open access on May 26th 2026, in the IOP Publishing venue on 2D Materials in the framework of the Graphene Flagship Initiative’s Innovation Roadmapping Work Group. It is a joint publication from several EU-funded projects (acknowledged below) exploiting graphene-enabled solutions for biomedical applications. 

Abstract

Two-dimensional materials (2MD) have emerged as a transformative platform for biomedical sensing owing to their unique properties. Over the past decade, 2DM, such as graphene andMXenes have enabled sensing concepts with the potential to surpass the sensitivity, speed, and miniaturization limits of conventional technologies. When combined with other innovative materials such as aptamers or magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), a range of components can be developed.

From electrochemical electrodes and field effect transistor channels to conductive inks and triboelectric nanogenerators, these components offer a variety of biomedical applications that have the potential to revolutionize healthcare. This Roadmap reviews the current state of 2DM-based biomedical sensing within four EU-funded Horizon Europe projects under the Graphene Flagship, identifies key scientific and technological barriers, and outlines priority research directions for the short (2027) and mid-term (2030) future. The analysis focuses on the materials, various components comprising these materials, and several biomedical applications that are currently being researched within the overall biomedical focus of the Graphene Flagship Initiative. By consolidating expert perspectives from the four consortia, this roadmap aims to guide coordinated efforts to accelerate the transition of 2DM from laboratory demonstrations to robust, scalable, and impactful biomedical sensing technologies.

Aknowledgemennts

This study was funded by the European Union under GA No. 101120706 (2D-BioPAD), GA 101119473 (MUNASET), GA 101120832 (GRAPHERGIA), and GA 101135965 (SAFARI). However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CNECT. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The authors would like to thank the Fraunhofer ISI team, particularly Dr Henning Döscher and Dr Thomas Reiß, for their guidance in adopting and implementing the 3I methodology for drafting this roadmap.