Chaker Tlili

I am a materials scientist with a deep-seated passion for developing cutting-edge biosensors to address critical challenges in healthcare, particularly the early detection of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. My research philosophy centers on leveraging advanced nanomaterials—such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, and carbon nanotubes—to create highly sensitive and specific diagnostic platforms. I have extensive experience in diverse transduction techniques, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, field-effect transistors, fluorescence, and solid-state nanopores.

Beyond my current work, I am eager to expand into next-generation energy storage systems to power miniaturized implantable and wearable biomedical devices, driving the convergence of diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.

My research career has been defined by a progressive increase in responsibility and technical breadth. Since 2016, as an associate researcher at CIGIT in Chongqing, China, I have led projects on multiplexed electrochemical and GFET biosensors for multifactorial diseases, solid-state nanopores for small molecule detection, and the synthesis of advanced nanomaterials, while co-supervising six PhD students. Prior to this, I held post-doctoral and visiting scientist positions at prestigious institutions worldwide, including Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), INRS (Canada), Clemson University, and the University of California, Riverside.

In these roles, I developed a wide array of sensors, including smart hydrogel-based multi-analyte sensors, SWCNT immunosensors for stress biomarkers in saliva, and impedimetric DNA sensors for food safety, consistently training and mentoring junior researchers along the way.

My academic foundation was laid at the University of Monastir in Tunisia, where I received a full scholarship to earn a D.U.E.S. in Physics and Chemistry (1996), followed by an Honours Degree in Fundamental Physics (1998). I then pursued a Master of Science in quantum physics at the University of Tunis (2000), where my thesis involved ab initio potential energy surface calculations. I completed my formal training with a doctor of philosophy in materials science from the University of Paris-11, France (2006).

My PhD dissertation focused on the development of impedimetric biosensors using various immobilization strategies under the supervision of Dr.

Hafsa

Korri-Youssoufi, an experience that set the trajectory for my entire research career.