2D Metal Chalcogenide FET Biosensor for Pathogen Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, are time-consuming and prone to false signals due to off-state current leakage in graphene-based biosensors, and manufacturing techniques for 2D materials are not compatible with photolithographic processes.

Innovation Solution

A field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor using a two-dimensional monolayer or few-layer metal chalcogenide functionalized with a biorecognition element, such as an antibody, and a probe linker that attaches to vacancy defects on the surface of the metal chalcogenide, allowing for rapid and selective detection of pathogens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If graphene-based FET biosensors are used for pathogen detection, then high electron mobility is achieved, but off-state current leakage increases causing false signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron mobilityVSAvoidfalse signal rate

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from graphene to two-dimensional metal chalcogenides (such as MoS2, WSe2) which possess a non-zero bandgap. This fundamental parameter change maintains high electron mobility while eliminating the off-state current leakage problem that causes false signals in graphene-based sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite structures combining two-dimensional metal chalcogenide materials with biorecognition elements (antibodies, aptamers) to create a functional biosensor system. This composite approach integrates the electrical transport properties of the 2D material with the specific binding capabilities of biological molecules, achieving both sensitivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If CVD or MBE techniques are used to manufacture 2D materials, then high-quality 2D materials are produced, but compatibility with photolithographic processes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve2D material qualityVSAvoidprocess compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs photolithographic patterning of the substrate before depositing the two-dimensional material. This preliminary action allows standard photolithography processes to be used for defining device geometry, after which the 2D material is deposited to conformally cover the patterned areas, ensuring both manufacturing precision and process compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: substrate preparation and photolithographic patterning, followed by separate 2D material deposition, and finally biorecognition element functionalization. This segmentation allows each process to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compatibility with standard fabrication workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 biosensor achieves rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of pathogens, such as SARS-COV-2, with improved electrical transport characteristics and compatibility with photolithographic processes, addressing the limitations of existing diagnostic methods.

Implementation Method 1

A field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor using a two-dimensional monolayer or few-layer metal chalcogenide functionalized with a biorecognition element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectField-effect transistor:

Implementation Method 2

depositing an amorphous two-dimensional material on a substrate with pulsed laser ablation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 3

crystallizing the amorphous two-dimensional material to generate a two-dimensional monolayer or few-layer coupled to the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentUS20250027902A1Two-dimensional-material-based field-effect transistor for detection of pathogens and methods for manufacturing

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 AUBURN UNIVERSITY

AI summary

In at least one illustrative embodiment, a field-effect transistor biosensor for detection of a pathogen includes a substrate and a channel formed from a two-dimensional monolayer or few-layer metal chalcogenide that is functionalized with a biorecognition element. The biorecognition element may be an antibody, such as an antibody for the SARS-COV-2 spike protein. A method for manufacturing the biosensor includes depositing an amorphous two-dimensional material on the substrate with pulsed laser ablation, crystallizing the amorphous two-dimensional material to generate a two-dimensional monolayer coupled to the substrate, and activating a surface of the two-dimensional material with the biorecognition element after crystallizing the amorphous two-dimensional material. The composition of the two-dimensional material may be tuned. The substrate may be photolithographically patterned. Other embodiments are described and claimed.