From October 2 to November 29, 2024, I had the privilege of visiting Prof. Dr. Björn Lüssem's group at the Institute for Microsensors, Actuators and Systems (IMSAS) of the University of Bremen, Germany.
The research focused on exploring the potential application of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) as sensors due to their particular operation in liquid media. The primary goal was to detect the presence of clenbuterol, an anabolic agent used to increase muscle mass in cattle which possess serious health risks to humans consuming contaminated meat.
During the stay, the geometric factors of the device were varied and its response was studied, which allowed us to identify the ideal architecture for enhanced sensitivity. This also involved analyzing key performance metrics such as transconductance and hysteresis. Additionally, the concentration of clenbuterol was varied to determine detection limits, and to better understand the device’s behavior under varying analyte levels.
A comprehensive characterization of the device was achieved through techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and current-voltage measurements.
The devices with shorter channel lengths were found to have a higher on/off ratio and maximum transconductance values compared to those with longer channels. Furthermore, one specific device had a detection limit even below the maximum limit allowed by the World Health Organization (WHO-FAO) Codex Alimentarius which is very important for planned applications.
The results obtained from this research are planned to be published through a scientific article entitled “PEDOT:PSS organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) as potential for clenbuterol detection in cattle”
Personally, I am convinced that this research stay significantly contributed to my professional and personal development. IMSAS provided me with all necessary tools to carry out my research, introduced me to new characterization techniques, and reinforced the importance of pursuing technological improvements aimed at the common good. I am deeply grateful to Prof. Dr. Björn Lüssem for welcoming me in his group and for his continuous support and guidance throughout my stay. I would like to thank Dr. Henrique Frulani and Dr. Andika Asyuda, whose insightful discussions were a key for achieving the results in the frame of this project. Furthermore, I sincerely thank all the researchers in the group for their assistance, support and for fostering a friendly and collaborative environment that made this experience truly enriching.
I would like to acknowledge MAPEX for funding this research stay. Without their support, this project would not have been possible. Beyond the academic results, I would like to highlight the personal growth this experience provided me.
Also, I would like to acknowledge the International Office of the University of Bremen for the complementary support. Particularly, thanks to Jana Sievers for all the assistance and guidance before and throughout my stay.
Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Prof. Dr. Jürgen Gutowski and Dr. Alejandra Castro-Carranza (my thesis supervisor and Research Ambassador of the University of Bremen for Mexico) for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this journey.
