3D Nanotransistor Biosensors for Simultaneous Bioelectrical and Biomechanical Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biosensors are limited in their ability to simultaneously measure bioelectrical and biomechanical signals in 3D tissue, leading to reduced scalability, spatial resolution, and increased invasiveness due to the heterogeneity and size of combined sensors, which complicates the study of correlated dynamics in cardiac tissue.
Innovation Solution
The development of 3D nanotransistor biosensors with a semiconducting channel member, such as silicon nanowires, that protrude from the substrate to form a nanotransistor sensing device capable of detecting both electrical and mechanical cellular responses through field effect and piezoresistive mechanisms, allowing for label-free, high-resolution, and scalable interrogation of cellular dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical methods with fluorescence labeling are used to detect bioelectrical signals and morphological tracing to detect biomechanical behaviors, then both signals can be detected simultaneously, but temporal resolution is reduced and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical sensing and mechanical sensing capabilities into a single integrated sensor device. The sensor includes interdigitated electrodes for electrical signal detection and a flexible substrate with piezoresistive elements for mechanical signal detection, allowing simultaneous measurement of both bioelectrical and biomechanical signals with high temporal resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs multiple functions within a single platform: it detects electrical potentials through interdigitated electrodes, measures mechanical deformation through piezoresistive changes, and enables label-free detection of cellular responses. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate optical systems while maintaining high temporal resolution
2Measurement precision
If molecular labeling is used to indicate bioelectrical signals, then signal detection is enabled, but cell contractility is compromised or toxicity is induced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection methods with electrical sensing. Instead of using fluorescence labels that require optical excitation and emission, the system uses interdigitated electrodes to directly measure electrical potentials generated by cellular activity, eliminating phototoxicity and labeling-related cellular stress
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor utilizes the cell's own electrical signals for detection. The interdigitated electrodes measure endogenous bioelectrical potentials without requiring external labels or dyes, enabling label-free detection that avoids all associated toxicity and contractility issues
3Speed
If current electrical sensors such as microelectrode and transistor arrays are used, then label-free interrogation at high temporal resolution is enabled, but only a single property of electrical or mechanical response can be probed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates electrical sensing elements (interdigitated electrodes) and mechanical sensing elements (piezoresistive structures on flexible substrate) into a single sensor device, enabling simultaneous measurement of both electrical and mechanical properties of cellular responses with high temporal resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor employs composite construction combining conductive materials for electrical sensing with piezoresistive materials for mechanical sensing. The flexible substrate integrates these different functional materials to create a unified platform capable of detecting multiple signal types simultaneously
4Adaptability or versatility
If two types of sensors are combined for simultaneous measurement, then both electrical and mechanical activities can be recorded, but heterogeneity leads to challenges in synchronization and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electrical and mechanical sensing functions into a single integrated device structure. The interdigitated electrodes and piezoresistive elements are fabricated together on the same flexible substrate, ensuring spatial alignment and temporal synchronization without requiring separate sensor systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed as a modular array of interdigitated electrode pairs and piezoresistive elements that can be scaled across the substrate. Each sensor unit is independent but follows the same design pattern, enabling scalable fabrication and simplified synchronization through identical operational characteristics
5Adaptability or versatility
If nanopatterned microelectrode on AFM tip is used for force-electrogram recording, then force and electrical signals can be detected, but scalability is limited by single cantilever
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an array of multiple interdigitated electrode pairs distributed across a flexible substrate, replacing the single AFM cantilever approach. This segmentation into multiple independent sensing units enables parallel measurement across many locations simultaneously, dramatically improving scalability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the single-point measurement of AFM to a two-dimensional array of sensors on a flexible substrate. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous measurement across a broad tissue area, enabling scalable interrogation of multiple cellular responses in parallel
6Adaptability or versatility
If interdigitated electrodes for motion tracking are used, then electrical and mechanical activities can be recorded, but large size limits measurement to single- or few-device scale with low resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple small interdigitated electrode pairs distributed across a large flexible substrate. Each electrode pair is miniaturized, but the collective array provides high spatial resolution and tissue-level coverage, overcoming the size limitation of single large electrodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single large electrodes to a two-dimensional array of miniaturized sensor elements. This dimensional approach allows the system to achieve both small individual sensor size for high resolution and large overall coverage for tissue-level measurement
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 simultaneous detection of bioelectrical and biomechanical signals with enhanced sensitivity and resolution, minimizing invasiveness and providing detailed insights into cellular and tissue states, suitable for drug studies and cardiac disease modeling.
Implementation Method 1
capable of detecting both electrical and mechanical cellular responses through field effect and piezoresistive mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
capable of detecting both electrical and mechanical cellular responses through field effect and piezoresistive mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure presents biosensor devices, systems, and related methods. One such biosensor device comprises a substrate; a semiconductive channel member suspending between a pair of contacts on the substrate, wherein the semiconductive channel member comprises a convex protruding channel structure; and wherein the convex protruding channel structure is configured to detect both electrical and mechanical cellular responses. Other devices, systems, and methods are also presented.