BioFET IC Sensing Well for Label-Free Cardiac Cell Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensors require costly and time-consuming labeling processes for detecting bio-entities, such as cardiac cells, which limits their efficiency in real-time monitoring and imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of a BioFET-based integrated circuit with a semiconductor substrate, isolation dielectric layer, and biosensing film that detects impedance changes, molecule charge, and ion release from cardiac cells without the need for labeling, utilizing a selective binding agent to enhance binding and detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If labeling processes (fluorescent or radioactive probes) are used for detecting bio-entities, then detection sensitivity is improved, but detection time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the labeling step from the detection process by using a BioFET that directly detects electrical signals (impedance changes, molecule charge, ion release) from cardiac cells. The field-effect transistor senses native electrical properties of cells without requiring fluorescent or radioactive labels, thereby removing the time-consuming labeling procedure while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/mechanical labeling system (fluorescent probes requiring excitation light and detection equipment) with an electrical field-based detection system. The BioFET uses electrical fields to directly sense cellular properties, substituting complex optical labeling and detection mechanisms with a simpler electrical measurement approach that provides real-time data
2Measurement precision
If labeling processes are used for detecting bio-entities, then detection accuracy is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex labeling operations from the detection workflow. Instead of requiring preparation of fluorescent or radioactive probes, incubation steps, and specialized detection equipment, the BioFET directly measures electrical signals from cells in their native state, dramatically simplifying the operational procedure while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The BioFET enables cells to serve themselves as the detection target without requiring external labeling. The device detects intrinsic electrical properties (impedance, charge, ion release) that cells naturally exhibit, eliminating the need for researchers to perform complex labeling procedures and reducing operational complexity
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring is implemented without labeling, then detection speed is improved, but detection precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect optical detection methods with direct electrical field sensing. The BioFET continuously monitors electrical signals (impedance changes, charge, ion release) from cells in real-time, providing both high detection speed and sufficient precision for monitoring cellular behavior without the delays associated with labeling procedures
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
Enables label-free detection and monitoring of cardiac cells, improving detection accuracy and efficiency by directly measuring electrical signals from bio-entities, such as cardiac cells, without the need for fluorescent or radioactive probes.
Implementation Method 1
detects impedance changes, molecule charge, and ion release from cardiac cells
Implementation Method 2
BioFET-based integrated circuit... directly measuring electrical signals from bio-entities
Data Source
AI summary
An IC includes a source region and a drain region in a semiconductor layer. A channel region is between the source region and the drain region. A sensing well is on a back surface of the semiconductor layer and over the channel region. An interconnect structure is on a front surface of the semiconductor layer opposite the back surface of the semiconductor layer. A biosensing film lines the sensing well and contacts a bottom surface of the sensing well that is defined by the semiconductor layer. A coating of selective binding agent is over the biosensing film and configured to bind with a cardiac cell.