Graphene oxide/DNA-aerogel pressure and acoustic sensor

Abstract

The increasing demand for health monitoring, voice detection, electronic skins, and human–computer interaction has accelerated the development of highly sensitive, flexible, and miniaturized pressure and acoustic sensors. Among various sensing technologies, piezoresistive sensors offer advantages such as simple fabrication, low power consumption, and broad detection ranges, making them well-suited for detecting subtle vibrations and acoustic signals. However, traditional piezoresistive materials, including metals and semiconductors, are inherently stiff and brittle, limiting their integration into wearable electronics and bio-integrated devices. To overcome these challenges, we introduce a graphene oxide (GO)/deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) aerogel, synthesized via a self-assembly approach using pre-formed hydrogel membranes. This biodegradable and biocompatible aerogel features tunable pore sizes, low density, and excellent mechanical resilience. Upon reduction, the GO/DNA aerogel exhibits high piezoresistive sensitivity (1.74 kPa⁻¹) in the low-pressure range (0–130 Pa), surpassing conventional pressure sensors. Additionally, it detects acoustic signals, achieving a sensitivity of 74.4 kPa⁻¹, outperforming existing acoustic sensors. These findings highlight the potential of rGO/DNA aerogels as materials for next-generation wearable electronics, biomedical diagnostics, and soft robotics.