BioFET Cardiac Cell Monitoring With Integrated Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensors face challenges in efficiently detecting and monitoring bio-entities, such as cardiac cells, without the need for costly and time-consuming labeling processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of an integrated circuit (IC) incorporating an array of BioFETs (biologically sensitive field-effect transistors) that utilize a biosensing film and a selective binding agent to detect impedance changes, molecule charge, and ion release from cardiac cells, enabling label-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional biosensors are used to detect bio-entities, then detection capability is achieved, but costly and time-consuming labeling processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the labeling step from the traditional biosensing process. By using BioFETs that directly detect electrical signals from bio-entities through a biosensing film, the method removes the need for separate labeling procedures, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical labeling process with an electrical field-based detection mechanism. The BioFET uses an electrical field to interact with bio-entities directly, substituting the traditional mechanical labeling approach with a more efficient electrical sensing method that eliminates time-consuming labeling steps
2Measurement precision
If traditional biosensors are used to detect bio-entities, then detection capability is achieved, but costly labeling processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the labeling step from the traditional biosensing process. By using BioFETs that directly detect electrical signals from bio-entities through a biosensing film, the method removes the need for separate labeling procedures, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable biosensing film that can be easily replaced rather than using expensive labeling reagents. The biosensing film serves as a low-cost, single-use component that eliminates the need for costly labeling materials while maintaining detection functionality
3Loss of time
If BioFETs are used for label-free detection, then operation time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the biosensing function with the transistor structure by integrating the biosensing film directly onto the gate of the field-effect transistor. This combination creates a unified BioFET device that performs both sensing and signal amplification functions, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The BioFET structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the biosensing film provides selective binding, the transistor provides signal amplification, and the integrated structure provides both detection and readout capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The IC with BioFETs allows for accurate detection and monitoring of cardiac cells by converting bio-entities' interactions into measurable electrical signals, improving sensing performance and eliminating the need for labeling.
Implementation Method 1
BioFETs (biologically sensitive field-effect transistors) that utilize a biosensing film and a selective binding agent to detect impedance changes, molecule charge, and ion release from cardiac cells
Implementation Method 2
detect impedance changes, molecule charge, and ion release from cardiac cells
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes following steps. A beating pulse of a cardiac cell is monitored by using a biologically sensitive field-effect transistor (BioFET) disposed within a semiconductor substrate. A temperature around the cardiac cell is detected by using a temperature-sensing diode disposed within the semiconductor substrate. In response to the detected temperature falling below a predetermined threshold, the cardiac cell is heated by using a heater disposed within the semiconductor substrate. The cardiac cell is placed within a fluid containment region above the BioFET, and the temperature-sensing diode occupies a larger area within the fluid containment region than the heater.