CMOS FET Biosensor Amplifier for Automated Biomolecule Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for detecting biological molecules, such as fluorescence or radioactive labeling, are labor-intensive and costly, limiting their effectiveness in disease diagnosis and treatment.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using field-effect transistors (FETs) to automate the detection of biological molecules by sensing electric charges with an inverting gain amplifier circuit, providing a cost-effective and efficient means for identifying biomolecules through a CMOS-based automated sensing platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional techniques (fluorescence or radioactive labeling) are used to detect biomolecules, then detection capability is achieved, but labor intensity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (pipetting, washing, incubation steps in ELISA) with an automated FET-based sensing system that directly detects biomolecules through electrical charge measurements, eliminating the need for labor-intensive conventional procedures while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The FET sensor performs automated detection by directly sensing the electrical charge of biomolecules in solution without requiring manual intervention for sample preparation, reagent addition, or signal measurement, enabling the system to serve itself and reduce labor requirements
2Measurement precision
If conventional techniques (fluorescence or radioactive labeling) are used to detect biomolecules, then detection capability is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable FET sensors that can be manufactured at low cost using standard semiconductor fabrication processes, replacing expensive radioactive or fluorescent labels with inexpensive transistor-based detection elements that provide comparable or superior performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from optical (fluorescence) or radioactive signals to electrical charge measurements, enabling the use of CMOS technology and standard semiconductor manufacturing processes that are more cost-effective than specialized labeling and detection equipment
3Ease of operation
If FET-based automated sensing is implemented, then labor intensity and cost are reduced, but measurement sensitivity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function into individual FET devices, each capable of independent biomolecule detection, allowing parallel processing and maintaining high sensitivity through distributed sensing elements rather than a single complex manual system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from optical or radioactive signals to electrical charge measurements, enabling the use of CMOS technology and standard semiconductor manufacturing processes that are more cost-effective than specialized labeling and detection equipment
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 FET-based system offers high sensitivity and cost-effectiveness in biomolecule detection, reducing labor and costs while improving the efficiency of disease diagnosis and treatment by utilizing an array of sensor cells and CMOS technology.
Implementation Method 1
a gate of the first FET is configured to sense the electric charge
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured to identify a material having an electric charge, the apparatus having: an inverting gain amplifier including a first field-effect transistor (FET) coupled to a second FET; wherein a gate of the first FET is configured to sense the electric charge and an output of the amplifier provides a measurement of the electric charge to identify the material.