Floating Gate Sensor Dual Biasing Biomaterial Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biophysical analytical technologies face limitations in detecting and manipulating individual biomaterials such as cells, cell components, and bio-macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids, particularly in terms of sensitivity and control over the sensing interface.

Innovation Solution

A floating gate based sensor apparatus utilizing dual electrical biasing sources, including a control gate and a reference electrode, to modulate charge injection and electrochemical gating, enabling precise detection and manipulation of biomaterials by creating a dynamic and reversible sensing interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional single biasing methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but sensitivity and control over the sensing interface are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidbiasing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing system is segmented into two independent biasing sources: a control gate biasing source that biases the control gate with respect to the substrate, and a reference electrode biasing source that biases the reference electrode with respect to the substrate. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each biasing function, thereby improving detection sensitivity while maintaining a modular and manageable device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A reference electrode is introduced as an intermediary element between the sensing interface and the measurement system. This reference electrode serves as a stable potential reference point, enabling more precise measurement of the sensing interface potential and improving overall detection sensitivity without significantly complicating the device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a floating gate sensor surface is used, then the ability to detect individual biomaterials is improved, but control over the sensing interface becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsensing interface control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control gate biasing source is configured to provide feedback control of the floating gate sensor surface potential. By monitoring the potential at the sensing interface and adjusting the control gate bias accordingly, the system maintains optimal sensing conditions and simplifies operation despite the complexity of the floating gate structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The floating gate sensor surface automatically adjusts its potential distribution in response to biomaterial detection events. The dual biasing configuration enables the floating gate to self-regulate its electrical characteristics, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual electrical biasing sources are implemented, then dynamic and reversible sensing interface is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing interface adaptabilityVSAvoidbiasing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dual biasing system enables dynamic control of the sensing interface by allowing independent adjustment of the control gate and reference electrode potentials. This dynamic capability allows the sensing interface to be tuned for different detection modes and conditions, significantly improving adaptability while the modular architecture keeps the complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enhances the ability to detect and manipulate biomaterials by providing a sensitive and dynamic surface charge modulation, allowing for simultaneous detection and manipulation of biomolecules with improved sensitivity and control, facilitating applications in bio-analytical methods.

Implementation Method 1

a floating gate bias (or an alternative electrically coupled sensing gate bias) of a floating gate (or alternative sensing gate) with respect to a semiconductor substrate through a control gate modulated tunneling dielectric to floating gate charge injection mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTunneling:

Implementation Method 2

a reference electrode bias of a liquid sample with respect to the floating gate (or alternative electrically coupled sensing gate) within the floating gate based sensor apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical gating:

Data Source

PatentUS10962501B2Floating gate based sensor apparatus and related floating gate based sensor applications

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 CORNELL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A floating gate based sensor apparatus includes at least two separate electrical bias components with respect to a floating gate based sensor surface within the floating gate based sensor apparatus. By including the at least two electrical bias components, the floating gate based sensor apparatus provides enhanced capabilities for biomaterial and non-biomaterial detection and manipulation while using the floating gate based sensor apparatus.