FET Sensor Ion Shielding Minimization via Group III-Nitride Heterojunction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting proteins in clinical settings, such as ELISAs, are labor-intensive, require multiple reagents, and cannot detect analytes in vivo or in situ, necessitating a need for sensitive, efficient, and cost-effective means that can operate in real-time without labels or additional reagents.
Innovation Solution
Development of modified field effect transistors (FETs) with immobilized recognition elements on the channel surface, capable of detecting analytes in physiological conditions by measuring changes in electrical properties, using a substrate with a semiconductor channel and electrodes, and a Group III-nitride heterojunction to minimize ion shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ELISA is used for protein detection, then detection accuracy is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical ELISA process with an electrochemical FET-based detection system. The FET sensor directly transduces analyte binding events into electrical signals, eliminating the need for multiple chemical reagents and manual washing steps, thereby achieving rapid detection without sacrificing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The FET sensor performs self-detection by directly measuring electrical property changes caused by analyte binding. The recognition elements on the channel surface automatically transduce binding events into measurable signals without requiring external reagents or complex processing, enabling simple yet accurate detection
2Measurement precision
If ELISA is used for protein detection, then detection capability is achieved, but multiple reagents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The FET sensor utilizes the intrinsic electrical properties of the analyte and the semiconductor channel to generate detection signals. The recognition elements bound to the channel surface directly transduce analyte binding into electrical property changes, eliminating the need for enzyme-labeled secondary antibodies and other reagents used in ELISA
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the chemical reagent-based ELISA system with an electrochemical transduction system. The FET channel converts analyte binding events directly into electrical signals, replacing the multi-reagent chemical amplification process with a direct physical measurement
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used, then detection is possible, but real-time detection and in vivo application are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky conventional sensor systems with miniaturized FET-based electrochemical sensors. The small size and direct electrical readout capability of FETs enable integration into implantable devices and portable diagnostics, facilitating real-time in vivo monitoring without compromising detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The FET sensor platform is designed with universal recognition elements that can be tailored to detect various analytes. The electrochemical transduction mechanism works across different biological environments, enabling the same sensor architecture to function in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo applications
4Productivity
If FET is used for analyte detection, then rapid detection is achieved, but ion shielding in physiological conditions interferes with detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a high-electron-density region at the channel surface through the heterostructure design. This localized electron accumulation enhances the sensitivity to surface potential changes caused by analyte binding, allowing detection signals to penetrate through the ion shielding present in physiological conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures, specifically Group III-nitride heterojunctions with different bandgaps, to create the FET channel. This composite semiconductor structure generates a two-dimensional electron gas that provides enhanced electrical properties and sensitivity, enabling detection despite the presence of physiological ions
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, accurate detection and quantification of analytes, including proteins, in real-time with minimal sample preparation, and can be integrated into devices for in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro applications, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
FET-based sensors have long been considered unable to detect analytes, such as proteins, in physiological conditions (e.g. ≈150 mM Na+) due to ion shielding in physiologic environments
Implementation Method 2
FETs comprise a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a semiconductor channel in communication with the source electrode and the drain electrode, such that channel forms a path for current flow between the source electrode and the drain electrode. In FETs, the electrical properties of the channel (e.g., current flow, voltage, impedance, etc.) are sensitive to electric fields in proximity to the channel surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are field effect transistor-based (FET-based) sensors for the rapid and accurate detection of analytes both in vivo and in vitro. The FET-based sensors can include a substrate, a channel disposed on the substrate, a source electrode and a drain electrode electrically connected to the channel, and a recognition element for an analyte of interest immobilized on the surface of the channel via a linking group. The distance between the recognition element and the channel can be configured such that association of the analyte of interest with the recognition element induces a change in the electrical properties of the channel. In this way, an analyte of interest can be detected by measuring a change in an electrical property of the channel. Also provided are devices, including probes and multi-well plates, incorporating the FET-based sensors.