FET Array Biomolecule Detection via Charge Carrier Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomolecule detection techniques require adjusting sample concentration, limiting their practicality for early disease diagnosis due to limitations in detection sensitivity and parallel processing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method using charge carriers immobilized with antibodies to form aggregates, detected through field-effect transistors with multiple detectors, allowing for high-speed, parallel detection without the need for concentration adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical fiber arrays are used for parallel detection, then detection speed is improved, but the number of detectable molecules is limited by the number of optical fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system with an electrical detection system using field-effect transistors. Instead of using optical fibers to detect molecules, the invention uses FETs with gates that directly sense electrical properties of charge carriers bound to antigens, enabling detection of much larger numbers of molecules simultaneously through electrical rather than optical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from optical signal measurement to electrical property measurement. By detecting changes in electrical characteristics (such as threshold voltage shifts) of FETs when charge carriers bind to antigens, the system can accommodate and detect a much larger quantity of molecules compared to the physical limitation of optical fiber arrays.
2Measurement precision
If sample concentration is adjusted in advance, then detection accuracy is improved, but the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The FET-based detection system automatically adapts to different antigen concentrations through its electrical sensing mechanism. The system self-adjusts by measuring threshold voltage shifts or current changes that are naturally proportional to the amount of bound charge carriers, eliminating the need for manual sample concentration adjustment while maintaining detection accuracy across a wide range of concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal detection platform that can detect antigens across a wide concentration range (from 10^-19 to 10^-16 M) without requiring different detection protocols or sample preparation steps. The FET array system handles various concentrations through a single, unified electrical measurement approach, making the detection process simpler and more versatile.
3Measurement precision
If flow cytometry is used to determine microparticle numbers, then molecule counting is achieved, but parallel processing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the detection function across multiple independent FET devices arranged in arrays. Each FET acts as an independent detection unit that can simultaneously detect antigens in parallel, whereas flow cytometry processes particles sequentially through a single detection channel. This segmentation enables high-speed parallel detection while maintaining accurate molecule counting capabilities.
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 the detection of a wide range of biomolecule concentrations from 1 µM to 1 aM, with the ability to count 100,000 charge carrier conjugates per second, reducing the need for optical systems and lowering device production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a method uses a field-effect transistor for detection, and allows the detectors to be easily provided in parallel for easy and high-speed detection
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is intended to provide a method and a device for detecting a biomolecule with high sensitivity and high throughput over a wide dynamic range without requiring concentration adjustments of a sample in advance. The present invention specifically binds charge carriers to a detection target biomolecule, and detects the detection target biomolecule one by one by measuring a current change that occurs as the conjugate of the biomolecule and the charge carriers passes through a micropore. High-throughput detection of a biomolecule sample is possible with an array of detectors.