Graphene FET Biosensor for Rapid Viral Particle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing viral infections, such as PCR and ELISA, are ineffective for quick and early detection, as they detect viral RNA or antibodies indirectly and require specialized equipment and personnel, failing to provide timely information on infectivity.
Innovation Solution
A graphene-based field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor functionalized with viral receptors or nanobodies, such as ACE2, is used for specific binding with viral particles, generating a detectable electrical signal upon viral recognition, enabling rapid and sensitive detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PCR or ELISA methods are used for viral detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but detection time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical detection systems (PCR, ELISA) with an electrical detection system based on FET biosensors. The FET detects viral particles through electrical signal changes caused by charge redistribution when viruses bind to receptors on the graphene surface, eliminating the need for complex amplification reactions and specialized equipment while achieving rapid detection within minutes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from indirect detection (viral RNA or antibodies) to direct detection of viral particles through their electrical charge properties. By measuring gate voltage changes in the FET caused by virus binding, the system achieves both high sensitivity and rapid results without requiring time-consuming amplification steps
2Measurement precision
If PCR or ELISA methods are used for viral detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical detection systems (PCR, ELISA) with an electrical detection system based on FET biosensors. The FET detects viral particles through electrical signal changes caused by charge redistribution when viruses bind to receptors on the graphene surface, eliminating the need for complex amplification reactions and specialized equipment while achieving rapid detection within minutes
Solution Approach 2:
The FET biosensor system is designed to be self-sufficient, requiring no specialized personnel or complex equipment. The graphene-based FET automatically detects viral particles through electrical signal changes, providing a simple readout that can be interpreted without specialized training, thus enabling point-of-care testing by non-experts
3Measurement precision
If indirect detection methods (viral RNA or antibodies) are used, then detection capability is improved, but information accuracy about infectivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical detection systems (PCR, ELISA) with an electrical detection system based on FET biosensors. The FET detects viral particles through electrical signal changes caused by charge redistribution when viruses bind to receptors on the graphene surface, eliminating the need for complex amplification reactions and specialized equipment while achieving rapid detection within minutes
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of detecting indirect markers (RNA or antibodies) that require interpretation and conversion to infer viral presence, the patent creates a direct electrical 'copy' or signal representation of the actual viral particle binding event. The FET gate voltage change directly reflects the presence and binding of intact viral particles, providing immediate and accurate information about infectivity without intermediate steps
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 provides high specificity and sensitivity for detecting viral particles, allowing for quick diagnosis of viral infections, including SARS-COV-2, and can be integrated into portable devices for easy use, even by non-experienced personnel.
Implementation Method 1
a field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor for the detection of viral particles and/or fragments thereof comprising a substrate and a protein capable of specifically binding a viral particle and/or a fragment thereof, immobilized on the surface of said substrate, wherein said protein is immobilized so that the binding of a viral particle and/or a fragment thereof to said protein determines the emission of a detectable electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
The graphene consists of a monolayer of carbon atoms arranged to form a hexagonal lattice, characterized by a linear energy dispersion up to 1 eV and by an almost symmetric behaviour for lacunae and electrons, described as zero-mass Dirac fermions. The graphene shows excellent properties, such as the capability of supporting high currents (>1 mA/μm), high mobility (>100,000 cm2V−1s−1)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor and to a device including the biosensor for the detection of viral particles and/or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to the in vitro use, a method and a kit including the biosensor and/or device for the diagnosis of viral infections, as well as a process for the preparation of a field-effect transistor biosensor for the detection of viral particles and/or fragments thereof.