Graphene-based Multi-Modal Sensors

A system for measuring mechanical movements in a biological sample, the system comprising:

• a chamber;
• a composite film structure on which a biological sample is disposed, the composite film structure comprising a metallic layer in contact with a graphene layer, and a polymer layer in contact with either the metallic layer or the graphene layer;
• electrical connections for electrically accessing the composite film structure;
• and
• a central opening in the chamber, the central opening configured to receive the biological sample disposed on the composite film structure, wherein the biological sample comprises cultured cells or tissues, wherein the metallic layer comprises a plurality of metallic nanoislands.

A method of measuring mechanical movements in a biological sample, the method comprising:

• placing a biological sample on a composite film structure, the composite film structure comprising a metallic layer in contact with a graphene layer, and a polymer layer in contact with either the metallic layer or the graphene layer, wherein the metallic layer comprises a plurality of metallic nanoislands;
• placing the composite film structure including the biological sample into a chamber;
• optically observing a change in a wavelength of optical light reflected or scattered from the biological sample on the composite film structure in the chamber;
• determining, based on the observed change in the wavelength of optical light, a change in distance between metallic nanoislands of the plurality of metallic nanoislands;
• and
• determining a mechanical movement in the biological sample based on the determined change in distance.