It was an honour to welcome Professor Tianhong Cui from the University of Minnesota to the Cambridge Graphene Centre (CGC) for the final QAMSS Advanced Technology Lecture of Michaelmas Term.
In his talk, titled “Ultra-Sensitive Graphene Biosensors for Early Diagnostics of Neuro Diseases and Cancers,”Professor Cui presented cutting-edge research on the development of graphene-enabled biosensors aimed at early-stage disease detection. His lecture offered a comprehensive overview of recent advances in smart wearable sensors for point-of-care diagnostics, highlighting their potential for real-time monitoring of physiological parameters and disease-specific biomarkers.
A key focus of the talk was an innovative polymer shrinkage–based nanolithography approach, which enables the fabrication of nanoscale and high–aspect-ratio microstructures from larger pre-patterned polymer features. By combining embossing techniques with thermoplastic shrinkage, Professor Cui demonstrated a scalable and cost-effective route to producing both two- and three-dimensional micro- and nanostructures. This approach significantly enhances the fabrication capabilities of polymer embossing processes and opens new opportunities for MEMS-based graphene biosensors.
The lecture also showcased how these advanced fabrication techniques can be applied to develop ultra-sensitive graphene biosensors with promising applications in the early diagnosis of neurological diseases and cancers, underlining the translational potential of graphene technologies in healthcare.
Professor Tianhong Cui is a Distinguished McKnight University Professor at the University of Minnesota, with appointments in Mechanical Engineering and affiliations in Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. His international academic roles include Global Chair Visiting Professor at the University of Bath, Visiting Fellow at the University of Cambridge, and Adjunct Professor at the Mayo Clinic. Professor Cui has held numerous prestigious distinctions and currently serves as Executive Editor-in-Chief of Microsystems & Nanoengineering and Editor-in-Chief of Research (AAAS/Science Partner Journal).
This lecture marked the conclusion of the QAMSS Advanced Technology Lecture series for Michaelmas Term. The lecture programme will resume in January 2026 as part of Lent Term 2026, continuing to bring leading international experts to Cambridge to discuss advances in quantum and advanced materials for a sustainable society.
