Researchers have developed microchips using field-effect transistors that can detect multiple diseases from a single air sample with high sensitivity. The technology enables rapid testing and could lead to portable diagnostic devices for home and medical use.
In a world grappling with a multitude of health threats -- ranging from fast-spreading viruses to chronic diseases and drug-resistant bacteria -- the need for quick, reliable, and easy-to-use home diagnostic tests has never been greater. Imagine a future where these tests can be done anywhere, by anyone, using a device as small and portable as your smartwatch. To do that, you need microchips capable of detecting miniscule concentrations of viruses or bacteria in the air.
"The innovative technology demonstrated in this article uses field-effect transistors -- miniature electronic sensors that directly detect biological markers and convert them into digital signals -- offering an alternative to traditional color-based chemical diagnostic tests like home pregnancy tests," said Shahrjerdi.
To address this, these researchers are exploring new ways to modify FET surfaces, allowing each transistor on a chip to be tailored to detect a different biomarker. This would enable parallel detection of multiple pathogens. In tests, FET sensors functionalized using tSPL have shown remarkable performance, detecting as few as 3 attomolar concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins and as little as 10 live virus particles per milliliter, while effectively distinguishing between different types of viruses, including influenza A.
As semiconductor manufacturing continues to advance, integrating billions of nanoscale FETs onto microchips, the potential for using these chips in biosensing applications is becoming increasingly feasible. A universal, scalable method for functionalizing FET surfaces at nanoscale precision would enable the creation of sophisticated diagnostic tools, capable of detecting multiple diseases in real time, with the kind of speed and accuracy that could transform modern medicine.
Diseases And Conditions Infectious Diseases Detectors Microarrays Spintronics Spintronics Research Mobile Computing Computer Science
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