Graphene FET Biosensor for Rapid Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic technologies lack reliable, fast, and inexpensive at-home or point-of-care devices for detecting pathogens like SARS-COV-2, which are essential for real-time pandemic monitoring and global health management.
Innovation Solution
A portable biosensor device using a graphene field-effect transistor (FET) chip with aptamers that specifically bind to viral antigens, proteins, or nucleic acids, enabling rapid and sensitive detection of pathogens in biological samples, with wireless data transmission capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional diagnostic technologies are used, then detection reliability may be maintained, but detection speed and accessibility are insufficient for real-time pandemic monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical diagnostic systems with an electronic biosensor system based on field-effect transistors. The FET device detects pathogen-specific molecules through electrical signal changes when target molecules bind to probes on the graphene surface, enabling rapid detection without complex mechanical components while maintaining high reliability through electronic signal amplification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical or mechanical measurements to electrical conductivity measurements. The field-effect transistor measures changes in electrical current or voltage when target molecules bind to probes, providing rapid real-time detection with high sensitivity and reliability simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If complex diagnostic devices are deployed, then detection precision may be improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function from complex traditional diagnostic systems, isolating the specific molecular binding event between probe and target on the FET surface. This minimalistic approach achieves high detection precision by focusing on the fundamental biomolecular interaction without unnecessary complex components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent concentrates detection functionality in a localized region on the FET surface where probes are attached to the graphene channel. The high precision is achieved locally at the probe-target binding site, while the overall device remains simple and portable for point-of-care use
3Measurement precision
If sensitive detection methods are used, then pathogen detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standardized FET device structures with replicated probe layers that can be manufactured using established semiconductor fabrication techniques. The sensitive detection capability is achieved through copying the same simple FET design with different probe sequences, enabling scalable manufacturing without increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves high sensitivity through changes in electrical parameters (current, voltage, resistance) that can be measured with standard electronic equipment. This approach to sensitivity differs from complex optical or mechanical methods, allowing sensitive detection with simpler, more manufacturable devices
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 device provides rapid, precise, and cost-effective pathogen detection with high sensitivity and specificity, allowing early identification of SARS-COV-2 and potential variants, suitable for global health and security applications, and environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
graphene field-effect transistor (FET) chip
Implementation Method 2
aptamers that specifically bind to viral antigens, proteins, or nucleic acids
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and devices for detecting the presence of a pathogen, for example, a virus (e.g., SARS-COV-2), or its molecular components, in health care-related samples and/or environmental samples are disclosed. An example system for improving detection of a pathogen includes biosensor device comprising a detection chip and at least one probe that specifically recognizes a pathogen, where the detection chip comprises a graphene field-effect transistor (FET) chip and the probe, which comprises an aptamer, specifically binds to a DNA, RNA, or protein associated with the pathogen.