Welcome to the first of a new series of Research Roundups from iGii.

In this series, we’ll provide brief updates on the latest academic research from across the world making use of our sustainable carbon nanomaterial, Gii.

From groundbreaking glucose sensors to advanced energy storage solutions, dive in to discover how Gii is transforming various industries.

Human Diagnostics

1. University of St Andrews create Gii-based glucose sensor

What is it?

Worth $14.7bn, the glucose sensing market is a huge, and possibly the most developed, point-of-care diagnostics market.

Currently, the vast majority of these point-of-care tests use gold as their active sensing material.

Published in Applied Surface Science, researchers at the University of St Andrews (UK) have shown Gii can be used as a highly sensitive, anti-biofouling active sensing material to test for glucose.

Why does it matter?

This fascinating proof of concept study shows Gii delivers equivalent results to gold and other sensing materials on the market. However, it has all the benefits of Gii being lower cost, sustainable, supply-secure and scalable.

This has huge ramifications for sensing. Imagine how much gold we could keep in the ground if we can move to using Gii?

Want to find out more?

Contact us here.

You can read the paper in full here.

Reference: Treanor, M.-J., Lozano-Sanchez, P., Bunga, Y., Schaub, R. and Caffio, M. (2024). Implementation of a simple functionalisation of graphene (Gii-Sens) in the determination of a suitable linker for use in biocatalytic devices. Applied Surface Science, [online] 680, p.161426..
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2. Gii integrated into portable photoelectrochemical biosensors

What is it?

Enabling point-of-care sensors that can be used outside of the lab in a small, easy to use and low-power format is one of the key aims of the industry.

Published in ACS Omega, researchers at the University of Bath (UK), University of Sao Paolo (Brazil) and the University of Campinas (Brazil) found that, combined with titanium dioxide (TiO₂), Gii can create a highly efficient material to convert light into an electrical signal.

Why does it matter?

This material can power sensors that detect specific biomarkers, like glucose in blood or markers of disease. Since the material works with low-power light sources, it’s ideal for portable devices that don’t require much energy.

In simple terms, this innovation could help make diagnostic devices smaller, cheaper, and more accessible, enabling quicker and easier health tests anywhere, without waiting for lab results.

Want to find out more?

Contact us here.

You can read the paper in full here.

Reference: Bott-Neto, J.L., Martins, T.S., Gabriel, Oliveira, O.N. and Marken, F. (2024). Photoelectrochemical Performance of Brookite Titanium Dioxide Electrodeposited on Graphene Foam for Portable Biosensors. ACS Omega, 9(52), pp.51474–51480.

Future Labs

3) University of Liverpool creates Gii-based electrode set to transform energy storage in Internet of Things devices

What is it?

Published in Batteries & Supercaps, researchers at the University of Liverpool (UK) combined Gii with iron oxyhydroxide (FeOOH) through electrochemical deposition, creating a powerful new electrode material for micro-supercapacitors.

These small energy-storage devices are increasingly used to power IoT technologies, such as internet-connected sensors in vehicles and home appliances.

Why does it matter?

This proof-of-concept study shows that Gii could prove a valuable material to enable smaller, more efficient energy storage capabilities in ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) devices.

Want to find out more?

Contact us here.

You can read the paper in full here.

Reference: Braga, F., Casano, G., Sonni, M., Finch, H., Dhanak, V.R., Caffio, M. and Hardwick, L.J. (2024). One‐Step Electrodeposition of Iron Oxyhydroxide Onto 3D Porous Graphene Substrates for on Chip Asymmetric Micro‐Supercapacitors. Batteries & Supercaps.
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4) University of Bath explores enhancing Gii performance in ionic liquids for better energy storage

What is it?

Published in ACS Omega, researchers at the University of Bath (UK) explored how Gii-based electrodes can be used with ionic liquids to improve energy storage and electrochemical devices.

Ionic liquids are used as electrolytes in electrochemical systems and energy storage devices.

The researchers found that even a small amount of water can change how these liquids behave on Gii’s surface, making them more reactive and helping certain processes happen faster.

Why does it matter?

This discovery shows how Gii can be used to make better batteries and energy storage devices. By understanding how water affects these processes, scientists can design more efficient and powerful devices.

In simple terms, using Gii in this way could help make electric cars, smart phones and more last longer on a single charge and perform better, making our everyday lives more convenient and sustainable.

Want to find out more?

Contact us here.

You can read the paper in full here.

Reference: Mahajan, A., Liu, T., Dale, S.E.C., Fletcher, P.J., Caffio, M., Lozano-Sanchez, P. and Marken, F. (2025). Ionic Liquid (BMIM+BF4–) Reactivity on Graphene Foam Electrodes: Infrared Fluorescence and Raman Monitoring of Reversible Cathodic BMIM+ Intercalation and Exfoliation. ACS Electrochemistry.

Posters at our Upcoming Conferences

Join us at Biosensors 2025 in Lisbon from 19 – 22 May, where researchers from the University of Edinburgh will be presenting a new poster on how we can meet the urgent need for point-of-care testing to prepare for the next pandemic.