CAJ #11 - Other potential uses of graphene

1)      Sensors to diagnose diseases

Researchers have found out that graphene, strands of DNA and fluorescent molecules can be combined to diagnose diseases. The sensors are made by attaching fluorescent molecules to single strand DNA and then attaching the DNA to graphene. An identical single strand of DNA is combined with the strand on the graphene and a double strand DNA is formed. This double strand DNA floats off from the graphene and increases the fluorescence level. This process creates a sensor that can detect the same DNA for a particular disease in a sample.

2)      Bulletproof vests

Graphene could be applied in materials used in the production of bulletproof vests. Researchers from the University of Wollongong developed a new graphene-based material by combing equal parts of carbon nanotubes with graphene and adding them to the polymer. It has then been processed into fibers by using a wet-spinning method. This new material is stronger than spider silk and Kevlar that have so far been used to produce bulletproof vests. Bulletproof vests are made of layers of strong fibers that absorb the energy of the bullet, deform it, minimize the force of it and prevent the bullet from penetrating the vest. The research team working on this project said that the material is inexpensive and could be produced in large quantities.

3)      Gas sensors

The new gas sensors based on graphene could outperform today's leading gas sensors in detecting potentially dangerous and explosive chemicals, a study conducting at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute showed.  The sensors are made from continuous graphene nanosheets that grow into a foam-like structure about the size of a postage stamp. The flexible sensors measured ammonia and nitrogen dioxide at concentrations as small as 20 parts-per-million. This new discovery could be used by bomb squads, the police, various government agencies, as well as on airports.

4)      Condoms

Yes, you read right, I meant what I said. Graphene could be used in the production of condoms. Since graphene is highly stretchable, super thing, non-toxic and very strong it could be used to produce condoms that would not be able to be felt during intercourse. The idea is to mix graphene with latex in order to get a super thin and strong condom. These kinds of condoms would also act as an effective barrier to HIV and other sexually transmitted disease, more effective than condoms of this day and age can. This would be of great importance for the Third World where the birth rate is high and many people are infected by AIDS. One of the investors in condoms from graphene is the Bill and Melisa Gates Foundation that awarded scientists $100,000 for research.

XOXO A.