BioFET Coronavirus RNA Detection Using Detachable Sensor Cards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for COVID-19 detection, such as real-time RT-PCR, are time-consuming, require specialized laboratories, and nasal swabs are uncomfortable, limiting their scalability and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A field-effect transistor-based biosensor (BioFET) platform with an extended-gate configuration and detachable sensor cards, using nucleic acid probes to detect COVID-19 virus RNA through pulse voltage application and measurement of detection current, allowing for rapid, accurate, and cost-effective detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time RT-PCR is used for COVID-19 detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but test time increases to approximately 24 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into a reusable BioFET device and detachable sensor cards, allowing parallel processing of multiple samples. This segmentation enables rapid sequential testing without requiring the entire system to be reset between tests, reducing total test time while maintaining accuracy through consistent BioFET performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Nucleic acid probes are pre-immobilized on the sensor card surfaces before testing. This preliminary preparation allows immediate detection upon sample application, eliminating the need for time-consuming probe attachment or complex sample preparation during the actual testing process.
2Measurement precision
If real-time RT-PCR is used for COVID-19 detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but the requirement for centralized laboratories with highly-trained professionals increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor card is designed as a self-contained, disposable unit with pre-immobilized probes that performs the detection function autonomously when placed in the BioFET device. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex sample preparation protocols and reduces dependence on highly-trained professionals, while the BioFET provides automated signal detection and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor card is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex instrumentation and extensive laboratory infrastructure, allowing detection to be performed in simpler settings with minimal training requirements while maintaining detection accuracy through the robust BioFET platform.
3Measurement precision
If the BioFET sensor surface is directly exposed to biological samples, then detection sensitivity is improved, but sensor corrosion and short lifetime occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a permanent BioFET device and a disposable sensor card. The sensor card acts as a sacrificial component that protects the valuable BioFET sensor surface from direct contact with corrosive biological samples. This segmentation allows the BioFET to be reused many times while the inexpensive sensor cards are discarded after single use, solving both sensitivity and lifetime requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor card serves as an intermediary layer between the biological sample and the BioFET sensor surface. It allows analytes to reach the sensor for detection while blocking direct contact between the sample matrix and the sensitive transistor components, thereby preventing corrosion and extending device lifetime without compromising detection sensitivity.
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 rapid COVID-19 viral RNA screening with ease of pretreatment, reducing test time and cost, while preventing sensor corrosion and extending lifespan by avoiding direct biological sample contact.
Implementation Method 1
A nucleic acid probe specific to a nucleic acid sequence of COVID-19 virus is immobilized on a surface of the response electrode
Implementation Method 2
A pulse voltage is applied to the response electrode, and a detection current generated from the sensor card is measured
Implementation Method 3
the BioFET may be an electrical double layer (EDL)-gated field-effect transistor-based biosensor (BioFET)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a coronavirus detection method which is suitable for a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) detection. The method includes the following steps. A field-effect transistor-based biosensor (BioFET) platform is provided, wherein the BioFET platform includes a BioFET and a sensor card. The sensor card is detachably connected to the BioFET, wherein the sensor card includes a plurality of sensors and each of the plurality of sensors includes a response electrode. A nucleic acid probe specific to a nucleic acid sequence of COVID-19 virus is immobilized on a surface of the response electrode. A test solution is placed on the response electrode of the sensor card. A pulse voltage is applied to the response electrode, and a detection current generated from the sensor card is measured.