Alireza Zare

Alireza's PhD research focuses on insect odorant receptor biosensors.

 profile-picture photograph

Physics PhD student
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

Profile

I completed a Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering and a Master's in Nanoelectronics at Shiraz University in Iran. During my Master's studies, I conducted research on the development of a self-powered photoelectrochemical UV photodetector based on TiO₂ nanotubes coated with Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs). The project aimed to improve device sensitivity and responsivity by modifying the interfacial properties and enhancing light absorption in the nanostructured layers.

I am currently pursuing a PhD at the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, as part of the Nanomaterials Devices Research Group led by Dr Natalie Plank. My research focuses on the development of Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistor (CNT-FET) Biosensors by immobilising DNA aptamers and Insect Odorant Receptors onto the CNT-FET platform for biomolecule detection. The project aims to provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying both iOR- and aptamer-based sensing systems, contributing to improved biosensor performance, a deeper understanding of insect olfaction, and the advancement of electronic nose technology.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering

Master of Science in Nanoelectronics

Research interests

Micro and nanofabrication, electronic device fabrication, electrical characterisation, carbon nanotube field effect transistor, aptamer biosensors, insect odorant receptor biosensors.

PhD topic

Insect odorant receptor biosensors

Supervisors

Dr Natalie Plank, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

Dr Baptiste Auguié, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

Associated labs

Nanomaterials Devices Group

Publications

Zare, A., Behaein, S., Moradi, M., & Hosseini, Z. (2022). Application of a dual functional blocking layer for improvement of the responsivity in a self-powered UV photodetector based on TiO 2 nanotubes. RSC advances12(16), 9909-9916.