Differential Semiconductor Nanosensors for Background Noise Cancellation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biosensors face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and specificity for detecting low abundance target analytes due to interference from high abundance proteins and large background noise, necessitating improved instrumentation and detection methods.

Innovation Solution

A circuit comprising two semiconductor nanosensors, one functionalized with a detector species and the other not, configured to output differential electrical properties, with a phase shifter producing 180° shifted signals to enhance sensitivity by subtracting out background noise, and a gate to modulate sensor properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical biosensors are used for sensitive detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but instrumentation footprint becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidinstrumentation footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical detection systems with electrical field-based nanosensor systems. The nanosensors convert chemical activity directly into electrical signals, eliminating the need for large optical instrumentation while maintaining high detection sensitivity for target analytes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional biosensors are used to detect low abundance analytes, then detection capability is improved, but background noise from high abundance proteins increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidbackground noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and measures only the differential signal from the functionalized nanosensor while subtracting the common-mode background noise present in both functionalized and non-functionalized nanosensors. This isolation technique removes the harmful background noise from high abundance proteins that would otherwise mask the target analyte signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The non-functionalized nanosensor acts as an intermediary reference element that experiences the same background interference as the functionalized sensor. By comparing the two, the system uses this intermediary to cancel out the harmful background noise and isolate the specific target analyte signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If single nanosensor is used for detection, then device complexity is reduced, but sensitivity to low concentration analytes is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor configurationVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection function into two separate nanosensors: one functionalized with detector species and one non-functionalized reference. This segmentation allows each sensor to perform a specialized function, with the functionalized sensor detecting target analytes and the reference sensor providing background subtraction, thereby enhancing overall sensitivity while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 differential sensor configuration significantly enhances sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for precise detection of low concentration analytes by amplifying small changes in electrical properties.

Implementation Method 1

a phase shifter producing 180° shifted signals to enhance sensitivity by subtracting out background noise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shift: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

semiconductor devices, or similar small-scale electrical devices, as sensitive transducers to convert chemical activity of interest into corresponding electrical signals representative of the chemical activity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal transduction:

Implementation Method 3

The specific binding or reaction between the target and the receptor (or the biological sensing element) can introduce a signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpecific binding: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS20260036578A1Differential sensor measurement methods and structures

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 FEMTODX INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for detection of biological agents are generally described. Certain embodiments relate to circuits comprising a first semiconductor nanosensor and a second semiconductor nanosensor in electrical communication with the first semiconductor nanosensor. The circuit can be configured to output a differential electrical property between the first semiconductor nanosensor and the second semiconductor nanosensor when exposed to a sample comprising an analyte. In certain instances, the first semiconductor nanosensor is functionalized with a detector species, and the second semiconductor nanosensor is not functionalized with the detector species. In some cases, the first semiconductor nanosensor is functionalized with a detector species, and the second semiconductor nanosensor is associated with a gate.